A DRUNKEN man attacked his girlfriend after an argument over the way she washed dishes.
Mark Forshaw punched the woman three times, leaving her with a cut forehead and blood all over her face.
The 24-year-old was arrested as she had already phoned police to report him pushing her during an argument.
Forshaw, of Arnold Street, Boldon Colliery, pleaded guilty to assault at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.
Claire Wright, prosecuting, said: “The victim was in a relationship with Forshaw for about seven months before this happened.
“They were at his father’s house and had been arguing about websites that he visits.
“The defendant asked her to do the washing up and started shouting at her about the way she was doing it.
“They were both drunk and began calling each other names and he pushed her onto the settee.”
Mrs Wright said the woman ran out of the room and called police.
She added: “The next thing she remembers is being on her back in the living room. He was leaning over her and punched her three times in the forehead
“She was left with a cut about one-inch long and blood on her face. Police arrived shortly after as a result of her earlier phone call.”
Magistrates read a report about Forshaw from the probation service, which recommended he be ordered to do unpaid work.
Christopher Brown, defending, said: “He has seen the report and accepts that their recommendation seems like a fair punishment.
“He understands that he will need to pay compensation and it’s right and proper to do so.
“He is utterly ashamed of his actions and deeply regrets them.”
Magistrates gave Forshaw an 18-month community order with supervision and a domestic violence awareness course.
He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to his victim, £100 court costs and a £60 victim surcharge.
Chairman of the bench Dave Errington said: “You got into a situation that shouldn’t have.
“Hopefully you can work with probation to become a more stable person.”
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