A boyfriend who was being pressurised by criminals over a debt reacted badly, taking drugs and assaulting his partner, a court heard.

Jordan David Wynne, 28, admitted common assault when he appeared at Carlisle’s magistrates’ court.

He also admitted failing to provide a breath specimen to the police for alcohol analysis after he was suspected of driving while under the influence.

Pam Ward, prosecuting, outlined how the assault happened at the victim’s home in Carlisle on Saturday, December 22, last year.

The couple began arguing after the defendant’s partner tackled Wynne about his drug use. He then demanded that she hand over her mobile phone so he could check it.

When she refused, Wynne dragged his partner from the sofa where she was sitting by her left foot, leaving her bruised. Wynne then pinned the woman to the floor and tried to hit her, the blow landing on her arm as she raised it in defence. Having got hold of the woman’s phone, he left the house with it.

The failure to provide a specimen offence happened shortly after and on the same day – and after the defendant had blown a positive breath test for alcohol at the roadside.The court heard that Wynne had a previous drink driving conviction.

Chris Toms, for Wynne, of Ashford Way, Carlisle, told the court: “Essentially, he came out of prison and he owed money to some very unpleasant people. They started pressurising him for that money and he has a significant amount of mental health needs.”

Unable to deal with the stress Wynne reacted by taking drink and drugs; and it was this that led to the two offences, said Mr Toms.

The lawyer continued: “He took drugs as a way of coping with the pressure he was under and that affected his behaviour. “It led to this incident. He is very, very sorry about that.”

Since the assault, Wynne had borrowed money from his father and settled the debt.

“So there is no more pressure from drug dealers and he has abstained from illegal drugs,” the lawyer told the court.

The defendant is now also taking a mood stabilising drug and was cooperating with the Probation Service. He hoped to train so he can qualify as a plumber.

A probation officer in court confirmed that Wynne was regularly attending appointments and had referred himself to the Unity drug and alcohol service.

“He’s currently working towards maintaining his abstinence from illegal substances and negative peers,” said the worker.

Magistrates noted that it had been a sustained assault in a domestic setting; and that Wynne had withheld the victim’s phone.

But given that he was now engaging with the various agencies who could help him, they were prepared to step back from an immediate jail term. The magistrates imposed 12 weeks jail, but suspended the sentence for a year. Wynne must also complete £80 hours of unpaid work in the community, pay a £115 victim surcharge, £85 costs, and pay his victim £100 in compensation.