A DOOR, walls, and other items were damaged after a rowing couple's argument turned violent, a court has heard.

Julian Washbourne entered a guilty plea when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

The victim had been visited at her Hereford home by Washbourne on December 19, prosecutor Mark Hambling said.

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But when she had asked him to leave as he was making her feel uncomfortable, Washbourne "got into her face and gritted his teeth at her" before picking up a stair gate and throwing it on the floor and smashing a coffee cup, the court heard.

"He then hit the walls and door, threatened her, and slapped her on her right bicep," Mr Hambling said.

Police were called to the home, where they found blood on the damaged door and a crack in a window.

Marilena Di Vitantonio, for Washbourne, said the 32-year-old had immediately admitted what he had done to police.

"They were in a relationship for about four months and they had an argument where things got heated," she said.

"He says she was in his face and he wanted to leave, but wanted his phone back. He says he damaged those items in frustration."

The court heard Washbourne had accepted he has anger issues and has enrolled in a therapy programme to help him deal with his anger.

"Since this, he and the victim have made up and are now just friends as they both realise there is no point in a relationship," Miss Di Vitantonio said.

Washbourne, of Golden Post, Hereford, was handed an 18-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay compensation of £300. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £22 victim surcharge.