A MAN’S “reckless outburst” in public after a drunken dispute with his partner has cost him his liberty for three month, a court heard.

But, having had his first of custody, John Richard Love was to be released from prison after receiving a suspended sentence at Durham Crown Court.

The court was told he has remained in Durham Prison since shortly after his arrest at the scene of the incident, in the Market Place, Crook, on July 22.

Lewis Kerr, prosecuting, said as the victim was unwilling to assist the prosecution, the incident was best described from the view point of a taxi driver who was speaking to a colleague at the rank, as both Love and his partner were in the vehicle.

But, after an apparent argument, the woman got out of the taxi, followed by Love.

The driver described the defendant putting one hand on the woman’s shoulder, before striking her to the head and face.

She fell to the ground, momentarily blacking out, while Love appeared to go to her aid.

Mr Kerr said an off-duty nurse offered first-aid at the scene, while another female passer-by berated the defendant.

An ambulance arrived to take the victim to hospital, while police simultaneously reached the scene and arrested Love.

Mr Kerr said the victim suffered bruising and cuts to the head and face, and underwent a brain scan which revealed some internal bleeding.

Although she self-discharged at 9pm that night, she re-attended two days later complaining of poor balance and worsening headaches, but no further hospital treatment has been required.

Love, 29, of Woodlands Court, Crook, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Mr Kerr said Love has a previous conviction for assaulting the same victim, for which he received a community order with alcohol treatment requirement.

Dan Cordey, mitigating, said the latest incident appeared to have been, “a reckless outburst”, but which was not sustained.

Mr Cordey referred to a letter sent to the court from the victim.

Recorder Ben Nolan said having read the “sincere-looking” letter, and due to the fact Love has spent three months in custody, he could suspend sentence.

He passed an 18-month jail term, suspended for two years, and ordered Love to undergo 100 hours’ unpaid work, with 20 activity sessions overseen by the Probation Service.

Recorder Nolan told Love he needs to address his alcohol problem to avoid facing further scrapes with the law, in future.