A CARLISLE man found guilty of assaulting his former partner has failed to have the conviction overturned.

At the city's crown court, Alfie Johnstone, 27, claimed that he had done nothing more than carry the woman - in fireman's lift style - from his house.

The court heard that the defendant and the woman had gone through a "messy" breakup after six years together.

The prosecution version of what happened on September 12 last year was that while the woman was inside Johnstone's address he assaulted her, grabbing her by the neck and pushing her against a wall.

He then pushed her, causing her fall "partially down the stairs," prosecutor Anthony Parkinson told the court.

Johnstone, of Berkeley Grange, Carlisle, denied being aggressive. He said he was shocked when six police officers arrived at his home

Rejecting his appeal, Recorder Eric Lamb said he and the magistrates in the case felt Johnstone's account was "not credible." A neighbour's evidence was consistent with the victim's account.

The defendant - sentenced to a £250 fine, a 12 month community order and rehabilitation by the lower court - must pay the £250 costs of the appeal.