MAGISTRATES have imposed a fine of nearly £800 on a north Cumbrian man after he admitted assaulting a woman.

Luke Cockburn, 31, committed the offence on January 5 in Carlisle, the city’s Rickergate court heard. The defendant, of The Greens, Raughton Head, originally denied the offence but then changed his plea to guilty.

Magistrates fined Cockburn £778 and told him he must pay £300 prosecution costs and a £77 victim surcharge. The costs were so high because the defendant originally opted for a summary trial.

A second charge alleging that Cockburn used threatening behaviour – threatening to smash down the victim’s door and burn down her house – was discontinued by the prosecution.

He denied that allegation.