A MAN with a history of alcohol problems pleaded guilty last week to assaulting his partner at their home in Westbury.

John Murrell admitted punching Elaina Murrell twice in the face on February 24.

Prosecutor Pauline Lambert said the couple, who had been together for more than five years, had both drunk heavily until January 2015 when she successfully curbed her drinking habits.

But Mr Murrell’s drinking continued, and the court heard he picked arguments with her, took away her credit cards at times, voluntarily left his jobs so that she was paying the bills and shouted at her regularly.

On February 24 the couple got into an argument and Mr Murrell, who is on Universal Credit receiving £200 a month, punched her twice in the face before she locked herself in the bathroom.

The court heard a statement from Ms Murrell, which said the court case was having an effect on her family and that she did not want Murrell to have a criminal record or for him to be kept away from her.

Emma Handslip, defending Murrell, said he had voluntarily sought help with his drinking problem and had now been sober 54 days.

She added that Mr Murrell, who admitted his alcohol problem was affecting him at work, is currently living in Harrow, Middlesex, with his mother.

Murrell was given a community order for 12 months, and ordered to do 15 days of rehabilitation to combat his alcohol issues and 40 hours of unpaid work.

Magistrate Martin Clark also ordered the 50-year-old to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £60. Mr Clark said: “You have done some good things to address these problems but it is sad to hear her statement. She is willing to give you support but there is sadness as well.“I give you credit for your guilty plea and I hope you can build on the progress you have made.”