A violent man has been given a 30-month community order after he pushed his partner down the stairs and assaulted a child and another woman.

Daniel Blair, 46, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court yesterday for a sustained assault against his now ex-partner between April 6 and April 10 last year, two counts of common assault against a child and another woman, and production of cannabis. He admitted the charges having previously pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutor Tim Evans told the court: “The complainant describes being assaulted by the defendant on April 8 or 9. She came in after dark after she had been out with some friends.”

An argument soon ensued, part of which related to a Snapchat story of the complainant that was seen by Blair.

“She describes being headbutted, which led to two bruises on her face,” continued Mr Evans.

He then pushed her down the stairs. As she proceeded to climb the stairs again, he pushed he for a second time.

One of the children present brought a mobile phone to the complainant but Blair threw it outside as attempts were made to call police.

A second woman went to collect the phone and was subsequently locked out.

His ex-partner had bruises on her face, head and legs, a black eye and a stamp mark from a foot on her arm.

The court also heard about the common assaults against another woman and a child, who were both trying to intervene in the attack.

Blair, of Whernside in Carlisle, was arrested and charged in July last year.

A search of Blair’s property also found he was growing cannabis in his home, a charge which he admitted. All of the assaults were witnessed by a child.

The court heard how Blair has 11 previous convictions for 14 offences.

Claire Thomas, defending, said: “This defendant has been bailed for 393 days, not only is it a question of curfew but he has been bailed to Sunderland.

“He has lived independently from his parents for 18 years and now he is living with his mother during lockdown. It is a bigger problem than it might have been.”

Recorder Ciaran Rankin told the defendant: “You are a 46-year-old man and it is absolutely despicable that all that took place and involved children in some part.”

As part of the community order he must complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work.

The court order also ordered a restraining order for the victims.

Detective Kerry Gibson, of North Cumbria CID, said: “Blair is a dangerous offender who caused undue suffering to his victims. Domestic abuse is a priority for Cumbria Constabulary and we deal with all reports sensitively and professionally.

“If you’re a victim of abuse or know someone who may be suffering, please come forward and we can help you get the support you need and keep you safe. Please don’t suffer in silence”.