A MAN has been spared jail after a domestic assault - but must undertake alcohol abstinence monitoring and go on a Building Better Relationships course.

Daniel Taylor, 28, formerly of Shanklin but now of Embankment Road, Bembridge, previously admitted assault by beating on July 13, and appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court for sentencing yesterday (Friday).

Liz Miller, prosecuting, said Taylor had had previous problems with alcohol, drugs and gambling and tried to stop all three habits in one go, but relapsed.

His partner realised he was 'using' again and a row broke out between them.

His shouting and 'throwing things around' woke up two young children in the house, Ms Miller told the court.

As matters escalated, Taylor pushed his victim's head into the under-stairs cupboard while she was holding her baby.

She asked him to leave but he wouldn't, so she tried to leave herself with the children, but Taylor grabbed her hair, pulled her head down and punched her to the head a couple of times.

Ms Miller said the victim was vulnerable as she was in her own home, and it was a prolonged domestic assault in the presence of children. One of the children also had a bottle dropped on them, as a result of Taylor's behaviour. 

Representing himself, Taylor said: "Everything I have done was totally unacceptable and I know in my heart I will never do it again."

He said he had abstained from alcohol for four to five months, but on a sunny day had been tempted to have one pint. One pint turned into five and everything else followed.

A pre-sentence report by the probation service was considered, and magistrates heard Taylor was determined to abstain from alcohol.

Presiding magistrate Andre Usborne said Taylor came very close to going to custody.

He was handed an 18-month community order to include ten rehabilitation days, the alcohol requirement, and relationship course.

He must pay £85 costs and a £114 surcharge.