A man who attacked his partner on three separate dates during a mammoth drinking binge has avoided being sent to prison.

Stephen Hanley, 38, used violence towards Nicola Amena and bullied her while the couple were living together in Maryport earlier this year.

Hanley was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court. He had previously admitted assaulting her twice in June and once, by biting her, on July 4.

Prosecutor Beccy McGregor told the court Miss Amena was interviewed a day after the final incident.

"She disclosed that three separate incidents occurred in what was described as a pattern of deteriorating behaviour on the part of the defendant, caused by alcohol," said Ms McGregor.

The couple had got together through Facebook having previously attended the same school. In February they made a "fresh start" in Cumbria, Miss Amena moving north from the Liverpool area.

But trouble flared twice in the lead-up to the most serious assault in early July.

First, Hanley pushed Miss Amena off stepladders having binged on lager and wine and become angry.

His erratic behaviour and drinking continued over a lengthy period. He tried to bite her on another occasion and flew into a jealous rage after the pair attended a music event and she talked to a "young man".

Then, on July 4 - hours after downing a whole bottle of wine in front of her - he bit her twice.

"He was growling and laughing at her," said Ms McGregor. "She was very scared."

Hanley's conduct, which also included hurling beer bottles against a wall, was said to have also put neighbours "through hell".

One was so concerned by that incident that they began recording his July 4 violence. "Miss Amena can be heard to say 'help me' and also 'get off me'," added Ms McGregor.

"Police arrived. She was visibly distressed, crying and shaking."

Maroon Weir, defending, said Hanley's underlying issue was the "abuse of alcohol". He had little recollection of the attacks but was talking steps to obtain help. A keen musician and artist, he was "terrified" by the prospect of prison.

"He is deeply ashamed and deeply disgusted by his behaviour," added Miss Weir.

After reading a psychiatric report, background information and references, Judge Barbara Forrester suspended a 12-month prison sentence for two years.

Hanley, of Princess Drive, Maryport, was given a rehabilitation requirement and made subject to a four-month night-time curfew. In addition he must attend a "building better relationships" course.

A restraining order was imposed. This prevents Hanley from contacting or approaching Miss Amena in any way indefinitely.