A FATHER was yesterday given a conditional discharge after repeatedly punching his former wife in front of his seven-year-old son.

Paul David McDonald, of Rydal Street, Darlington, had been arguing with Julie Loughran about another woman when he attacked her in her home, South Durham magistrates, sitting in Darlington, heard.

Ms Loughran, who had been in a relationship with McDonald for 11 years and married for five, was treated in hospital for a cut lip, an injury to her wrist and bruising to her nose, arm and lip.

Derek Walton, prosecuting, said Ms Loughran had seen McDonald drinking in The Cop- per Beach pub, in Neasham Road, Darlington, with another women before she spoke to him and invited him back to her house on November 11.

Magistrates heard that an argument broke out after Ms Loughran answered McDonald's mobile phone and heard a woman's voice.

"She can't remember how many times she was punched in the head," he said.

"This was witnessed by their seven-year-old child who became distraught after seeing his father attacking his mother."

Steven Andrews, in mitigation, said the couple had separated after their relationship became rocky.

He said McDonald had been drinking and Ms Loughran challenged him about the woman.

McDonald pleaded guilty to assault and was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to play £300 compensation, plus £60 costs.