A row over the time a couple was to leave a pub on a night out led to a violent confrontation on their return home, a court heard.

Jonathan Cunnea had been drinking with his partner and friends at the Freemason's in Consett town centre, on the evening of May 9 this year.

Durham Crown Court was told there reached a point where Cunnea, who was intoxicated, indicated that he wanted to go home, but his partner wanted to remain out with friends.

Dr Chris Wood, prosecuting, said they left, arguing, and on their return home neighbours could hear them rowing, during which Cunnea’s partner told him she wanted to leave him.

The Northern Echo: Dispute began when the defendant, Jonathan Cunnea, told partner he wanted to leave the Freemason's

He responded by pushing her and she banged her head and fell.

Dr Wood said she then grabbed the defendant and bit his hand, but he pushed her over again and threw a set of keys at her, hitting her in the face.

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She sought medical assistance the following day and her nose was found to be clinically fractured, while she was also suffering with bruising, swelling and tenderness to a cheek bone, plus bruising to the scalp.

The 35-year-old defendant, of Medomsley Road, Consett, admitted a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm, at a plea hearing earlier this month.

But the sentencing hearing was told it was on the basis that in an argument while out in Consett he admitted punching a door, causing an injury to his right hand.

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During the subsequent row he admitted a phone was thrown and he threw the set of keys during the short confrontation, causing the injuries, but that he had not punched the victim.

His plea was on the basis his actions, “went beyond what can be considered reasonable self-defence.”

The court heard he has five convictions for ten offences, but with nothing previously on his record for violence.

Dr Wood said the Crown was seeking a restraining order to prohibit the defendant from contact, directly or indirectly, with the victim, or from remaining at any address where he knows her to be living or working, with the onus on him to move away.

Judge James Adkin told Cunnea’s counsel, Vic Laffey: “It’s a bad case and his saving grace is that he doesn’t appear to have a record for this.

“He has had the good sense to plead guilty and he has indicated he’s remorseful.”

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Mr Laffey conceded: “It’s certainly a prolonged incident.

“But it’s fair to say he understands how serious it is and, having heard what you said, he know's he's been facing a significant risk of custody.

“He’s very relieved he’ll be leaving by the same door as he came in.”

Judge Adkin put in place the restraining order but warned Cunnea he would face prison if there are any breaches.

He told the defendant: “You had been drinking with your partner and were intoxicated.

"An argument took place in the pub and later you assaulted her, throwing keys at her.

“She suffered quite nasty injuries, a broken nose, tenderness to her scalp, etc.£

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“The aggravating feature was drink was involved and there was a domestic context.”

Judge Adkin imposed a 13-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, adding: “I’m just persuaded I can draw back from an immediate sentence of custody.”

But he ordered the defendant to undergo 30 rehabilitation activity days working with the Probation Service, while he must also attend a Building Better Relationship programme and complete 160 hours’ unpaid work, all within the next 12 months.