By Staff Reporter

Last updated at 13:00, Wednesday, 04 July 2012

A woman dialled 999 after being assaulted by her partner in Penrith.

Karen Nelson made the call on Valentine’s Day after she had been out drinking in the town with her partner Colin Bell, 56, Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard.

The pair had returned to Mr Bell’s home on Norfolk Place, where prosecutor Adrienne Harris said he became “aggressive” and was “in her face”.

Bell did not want Miss Nelson in his house and tried to shut the door on her leg. She fell backwards.

Prosecutor Adrienne Harris said: “Miss Nelson felt his mood changed after they had been in the pub.

“She said he had a short fuse and that on the way home members of the public were asking if she was okay because they were having an argument and he was being very aggressive.”

Steven Marsh, for Bell, said: “My client didn’t want Miss Nelson to go back to his house.

“She had tried to overtake him on the way home so she could get some of her clothing.

“This was not pre-meditated and it was over very quickly. Miss Nelson was not seriously injured.”

When police arrived, Miss Nelson was sitting on the doorstep of Bell’s home surrounded by bags of clothing.

At this time Bell was said to be “agitated” and “angry”.

Bell was found guilty of assault by beating after a trial in June.

Magistrates ordered Bell to carry out a community order with a supervision requirement for two years. He must also complete the domestic violence programme and the alcohol awareness intervention programme.

Bell, who has since been reconciled with Miss Nelson, was also fined £600.

First published at 11:30, Wednesday, 04 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk