A DRUNKEN man threw a plate of food at his partner in front of one of their children before assaulting her, a court was told yesterday.

The attack by Grant Metcalf, 29, on his then girlfriend, Louise Blakey, at their Darlington home left her with bruising and swelling, South Durham magistrates were told.

"On the day in question the defendant had been drinking," said Simon Crowder, prosecuting.

"He totally lost it to use her (his partner's) words. He pushed her against one of the worktops. He threw a plate of food at her that landed quite close to one of the children."

Metcalf, of Willow Road East, pleaded guilty to common assault and criminal damage to £500 worth of furniture on March 27.

Stephen Andrews, mitigating, said: "He had been drinking because he knew the relationship was turning sour. When arrested he made full and frank admissions."

Magistrates ordered Metcalf to pay £650 compensation and £55 prosecution costs.