A caravan holiday in New Quay led to a court appearance for a hospital porter who assaulted his former partner.

Martin Fletcher, aged 56, of 11 Nant-y-Coed, Thomastown, Tonyrefail, Porth, Mid Glamorgan, appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates for sentencing on Wednesday.

He had pleaded guilty to assaulting Julie Evans by beating at a previous hearing.

The court heard that the couple were staying at Frondeg Caravan Park, near New Quay, on May 4, and had argued after drinking in the town.

Fletcher got a taxi back to the caravan, but Miss Evans declined to get in and walked back.

She stated that Fletcher had grabbed her and pushed her against a wall when she got back to the caravan, shouting at her and accusing her of flirting with another man.

Prosecutor Nick Newton said: “She was quite frightened. She managed to persuade the defendant to go to bed, she then left the caravan, got a taxi and made her way back home.”

Miss Evans had bruising following the incident, and said she had been affected physically and emotionally.

Fletcher admitted the offence when arrested, and told police he had wanted to get Miss Evans into the caravan to avoid other residents being disturbed by her shouting and causing a commotion.

Mr Newton added: “He was sickened she had sustained bruising and by his actions.”

Alison Mathias, defending, said her client was previously of entirely clean character and there had been no similar incidents between him and his former partner.

She added: “He is extremely apologetic and remorseful to Julie Evans.”

Fletcher was fined £50 and given a 12 month community order with supervision and a respectful relationship activity.

He was also ordered to pay £200 compensation to Julie Evans, plus £85 court costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

A 12 month restraining order was imposed, stating Fletcher should not contact Miss Evans directly or indirectly by any means.