A MAN who was found guilty of slapping his girlfriend has been handed a community order for two years.

James Bridgman, 27, was sentenced at Durham Crown Court on Friday following a previous trial by jury.

The defendant, who was living at Craddock Street, Spennymoor, but is now of Allerton Close, Hartlepool, appeared via video link from custody.

He had already served six-and-a-half months behind bars following the arrest for assault, occasioning actual bodily harm.

Paul Cleasby, for Bridgman, said his client had accepted slapping his partner once before leaving the house on the day of the attack.

The court heard the defendant had previous convictions for affray, common assault, battery and harassment.

Judge Christopher Prince sentenced him to a two-year community order with a programme of 30 sessions and 15 rehabilitation days.

An indefinite restraining order was made.

He was also given a six-month conditional discharge for possession of cannabis.