A MAN who assaulted his woman friend told magistrates it happened after he had drunk heavily.

Grant Bartley, aged 21, of Hoylake Road, Moreton, said he had a drink problem but was getting help.

He told magistrates that the woman was standing by him because she knew he was 'a lovely person without drink'.

Bartley admitted the assault at the woman's home in Greasby, where he had struck her with a phone while she was making a call. Bartley later told officers that he had consumed ten cans of drink in the afternoon and more in the evening.

He was fined £50 plus £35 costs but there was no award for compensation.

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