A YOUNG couple from Ross-on-Wye fell out after a drinking session in their back garden and a dispute about a Chinese meal.

There was a dispute about payment for the meal and it erupted into violence, said Charles Hamer, prosecuting told Worcester Crown Court.

And the pair, who had a two-year-old daughter, have since split up.

Jodi Scotford and his partner Jasmine acknowledged they had each drunk three litres of cider.

Scotford admitted that he became angry and had smashed furniture before attacking Jasmine.

Scotford, aged 23, of James Hall Court, Smallbrook Gardens, Ross-on-Wye, pleaded guilty to assaulting his ex-partner, causing her actual bodily harm and damaging property.

He was given a two-year community order with a rehabilitation and activity requirement for 40 days.

Judge Michael Cullum also made a restraining order preventing Scotford contacting his ex-partner for three years.

He also ordered him to pay her £400 compensation and £150 court costs.

Mr Hamer said Jasmine had been badly bruised on the face and neck with two puncture wounds on her left thigh.

She now had problems sleeping and felt ashamed to go out.

Scotford told police that he had been drinking cider since earlier in the day and this made him volatile. His partner had "got into his face" before the assault.

Michael Aspinall, mitigating, submitted references for Scotford, who had been working in telesales.

The relationship was over but Scotford was committed to providing financial support for their daughter. He had no knowledge about the puncture wounds.

The judge said Scotford had been fuelled by alcohol when he had attacked his partner, punching her in the face and knocking her to the floor.

It was a disgusting assault and, because she needed protection, he made the restraining order.