A COURT has heard how a Pembroke man called his partner ‘a slag and a dosser’ before hurling a mobile phone at her face causing swelling to her eye.

Marke Hearne and his long-term partner had spent the afternoon of March 16 drinking in Pembroke, where they had watched a Six Nations rugby match.

But shortly after they returned home, Ms Bolton said she wanted to continue drinking in town.

“This probably had a negative effect on the defendant, because he wanted to stay home,” probation officer Charmain Fox told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“Everything was initially ok that afternoon, but after going to a pub he previously didn’t want to go to, his mood possibly changed.

“When the victim came back later that night, Mark Hearne was angry and used derogatory terms to her.”

Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson  said that during the verbal argument, Hearne called Ms Bolton a slag and a dosser.

“The couple have been in a relationship for several years, however it’s rocky and the police are aware of it” she said.

“That night her phone was on the sofa, the defendant noticed it, so he picked it up and threw it towards her face.

“It was thrown with full force and bounced off her right eye causing it to swell up.  It also hit her lip before falling to the floor.  The defendant picked it up a second time, but it didn’t make contact with her.”

Photographs of the victim’s injuries were shown to the magistrates.

Meanwhile probation officer Charmain Fox said the defendant works as a self-employed contractor on refinery maintenance shutdowns.  As a result, he is regularly tested for alcohol and drug consumption.

“He expresses full remorse for his actions that night and is ashamed of his behaviour,” said Ms Fox.  “He’s making progress with his life and his fundamental need is to address his attitude within the relationship.”

Hearne, 45, of Devon Drive, Pembroke, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault by beating.  He was legally represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd.

“This assault took place on a reckless basis and my client had no intention of throwing the phone at her face,” he said.

Hearne was fined £866 and ordered to pay £500 compensation to Ms Bolton.

He was sentenced to a 12 month community order during which he must carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.  He must also pay a  £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.