Man caught on CCTV attacking 'new' girlfriend in Hanley

A MAN who assaulted his girlfriend as they walked through the city centre has been handed a 12-month community order.

Kristofer Heath, aged 31, was in Hanley with his partner Helen Sheen on October 13 when they started to argue about a mobile phone.

Heath was seen on CCTV cameras grabbing his girlfriend, who had been with him for four weeks, around the waist in a 'playful' way.

But he then pushed her against the wall of the Potteries Shopping Centre and grabbed her hair.

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Prosecuting, Alka Marsden, told North Magistrates Court that the pair had been drinking in pubs in Milton before the incident happened.

She said: "The defendant subjected his girlfriend to verbal abuse and barged her into the wall with his shoulder.

"She was seen cowering and shaking on CCTV cameras and continued to be very upset until police arrived."

Defending, Peter Howland, said: "This began as a happy and pleasant night out for Mr Heath and Miss Sheen who each wanted to go into Hanley City Centre.

"But it is fairly obvious that they both had quite a lot to drink.

"They had an argument because Miss Sheen had taken his keys and his mobile phone.

"It was an unpleasant incident but she did not receive any injuries.

"And when he was interviewed, Mr Heath did show remorse."

Sentencing Heath, magistrate Robert Grocott, said: "It was a sustained attack and although the hair pulling and pushing into the wall were unpleasant, no serious injury seems to have occurred."

Heath, who admitted assault by beating, was also ordered to pay £85 costs and told to undertake an anger management workbook for 12 days and to complete the lower intensity alcohol programme as part of the community order.