A MAN who had spent a week behind bars for a crime he denied committing was bailed by a court yesterday after his partner supported his story.

Michael David Richmond had been remanded to Hull Prison last Tuesday by Harrogate magistrates after he had pleaded not guilty to assaulting his partner, Julie Rutherford, the previous day.

He appeared in court again yesterday, via a video link from the prison, to hear his solicitor Geoffrey Rogers plead for his freedom.

Mr Rogers said Miss Rutherford, who sat in the public gallery throughout the hearing, had told him there had been no violence against her by Richmond.

"She told police at the time that there had been no violence - no assault," said Mr Rogers. "She has not even given a statement in the case."

He said Miss Rutherford had spent a night at the flat of a friend, Linda Bowers, and both had drunk heavily.

At 4am Mr Richmond received two phone calls from Ms Bowers asking him to collect Miss Rutherford, and when he arrived they had a row, but Mr Richmond did not attack his partner.

"We have a situation here where somebody has been locked up for a week for common assault when the alleged victim not only does not want the matter to go further, but says she was not assaulted," said Mr Rogers.

Mr Richmond, 45, of St Luke's Court, Harrogate, was adamant he was not guilty and felt it was unfair that he should remain in custody.

Nicola Lynskey, prosecuting, said it was policy to proceed with cases where domestic violence was alleged.

Magistrate David Uffindall bailed Mr Richmond until July 19 on condition he reported to Harrogate police station three times a week and observed an 11pm to 7am curfew.