A man who admitted to grabbing his partner by the hair as she tried to leave their home with his mobile phone has paid the cost in court.

Connor Marley admitted he assaulted his now-former partner after Ring doorbell footage clearly captured the incident on February 25 this year.

The 24-year-old also admitted causing criminal damage when a bedroom mirror was smashed on February 15 the previous year.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard how the defendant no longer lived at the address when he pleaded guilty to both charges.

Reece Williams, prosecuting, said: “The Ring doorbell footage captures the incident and the defendant can be seen to pull the victim’s hair while there is a child present.”

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Dealing with the criminal damage charge, he added: “The damage to the mirror is estimated to be in the region of £100.”

Marley, formerly of Mickleton, near Barnard Castle, represented himself during the hearing, was fined a total of £733 and ordered to pay £250 in compensation to the victim.

Dr David Shallow, the chairman of the magistrates’ bench, said: “I hope you have learned your lesson.

“It is expensive to come here and get fined for these offences.”