A depressed Aspatria man who struck his partner because he wanted to be left alone had suffered a momentary loss of self-control, magistrates heard.

Andrew Stephen Barnes, 40, today admitted a common assault on his partner Steven Renie on December 8.

John Moran, prosecuting at Carlisle's Rickergate court, said the defendant and his victim had been in a seven year relationship which had now ended.

On the night of the assault, the two had consumed alcohol.

"The defendant went over to the victim and punched him once in the head," said Mr Moran.

The lawyer said: "The defendant could not remember much about the incident but and this was due to a large consumption of alcohol but to his credit he said the following: "I don't remember but I am sorry if that is what he says I have done."

Barnes, a self-employed farm worker at the time of the common assault, has no previous convictions or reprimands.

Mr Renie did not want a restraining order, said Mr Moran.

Sean Harkin, for Barnes, said: "The defendant and the victim were having some issues in their relationship.

"They were arguing on the evening in question. The defendant suffers with depression and that wasn't helped by the alcohol.

"He wanted to be left alone and feels the victim wasn't leaving him alone.

"Effectively, he suffered a momentary loss of self-control and struck out at the victim. It was a single blow and he very much regrets it and has expressed remorse."

Magistrates imposed an £80 fine with £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £30.

There was no compensation as the bench thought this may aggravate the situation.