A MAN who admitted assaulting his partner in an incident of drunken domestic violence was told to expect jail.

Jonathan McGhin was warned by a judge at Durham Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and assault by beating.

The court heard the allegations arose from a confrontation with his partner on Saturday June 10.

But, when he gave his pleas initially, at a hearing on Monday, his barrister, William Byrne, said it was on the basis that McGhin did not repeatedly kick the woman, as she alleged in her witness statement, given to police.

Mr Byrne conceded, however, that his client had, “little or no recollection of events that evening”, due to the amount of alcohol he had consumed.

The hearing was adjourned by Judge Christopher Prince for 24 hours, in part to enable the Crown Prosecution Service to consider if the pleas were “acceptable” on the basis put forward by the defendant.

Appearing the following day by video link to the court from nearby Durham Prison, Laurie Scott, prosecuting, said the basis of plea was, not accepted by the Crown.

Mr Byrne said the defendant would now accept the facts outlined by the prosecution.

Asked by Judge Prince if McGhin has committed previous offences involving the same woman, Miss Scott said he has a conviction for driving with excess alcohol, but also a caution for battery and criminal damage which is thought to involve the same complainant.

Judge Prince adjourned the case to enable the Crown to confirm that information relating to the caution and to enable the victim to make an impact statement, prior to sentencing.

Mr Byrne said the defendant may be assisted by the preparation of a pre-sentence report to look at how his excessive drinking could be addressed.

But, Judge Prince refused, telling Mr Byrne: “I don’t think it is necessary.

“If he drinks to excess and becomes violent, then that’s his decision.

“If he has a drink problem, you can tell me about it.”

Remanding McGhin, 26, of Northwood Road, Seaham, in custody until sentencing on August 4, the judge said: “Very simply, you tried it on, in the hope the prosecution would accept your basis of plea, but it didn’t work.

“You will now lose credit for the ‘guilty’ plea at sentence.

“You should expect to receive a custodial sentence.”