A MAN who attacked his teenage girlfriend in their home walked free from court after she forgave him.

Jonathon Johnson, 23, left the 16-year-old covered in cuts and bruises after he lashed out at the home they shared in Charles Street, Boldon Colliery, South Tyneside, on October 27 last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how worried neighbours called the police after hearing the teenager, who is the mother of Johnson's child, screaming.

Johnson was arrested but his girlfriend told officers she would not give evidence against him.

Johnson spent five months in custody and pleaded guilty to assault. He was given a community rehabilitation order for 18 months.

John Wilkinson, mitigating, told the court how the couple have moved to Margate to start a new life together