A MAN punched and threw a table at his partner, a court heard.

Appearing at North East Wales Magistrates’ Court for sentencing after being found guilty of two counts of assault at an earlier trial, Peter Alexander Harper, 48, was made the subject of a 12 month community order following the incidents on February 24.

Justin Espie, prosecuting, said North Wales Police were contacted at around 7pm by Harper’s partner Liane Best who said she had been the victim of a domestic incident.

Mr Espie said the pair had been in a relationship for eight months and regularly stayed at Harper’s address at Connor Crescent, Wrexham.

An altercation had occurred where Harper had pushed Ms Best on to a bed and punched her on the arm three times before the argument continued the next morning when he he snatched her phone and threw a table at her which hit her leg.

Mr Espie added Ms Best was left with reddening to her arm but she had failed to provide a victim impact statement.

Alun Williams, defending, said the defendant was the victim’s carer and their relationship was “toxic”, adding that Harper had requested a restraining order be placed on Ms Best who repeatedly contacted him in the run up to the trial.

Probation officer Andrew Connah said Harper did not deny there had been “a heated argument” between the pair but still denied the assault charges.

Mr Connah added that Harper was a former heroin addict who had severe asthma problems who lived with and cared for his 78-year-old father.

Chair Hilary Wiseman said she felt compensation was inappropriate but imposed a 12 month community order and fined Harper £120. He must complete a 20 day rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR), pay costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £85.