A MAN pulled his partner out of bed by her hair after she refused to take him to a pub, a court heard yesterday.

Edward Smith, 45, of Minors Crescent, Darlington, admitted assaulting his partner of six years, Linda Cassidy, on November 13.

Jenny Haigh, prosecuting, told Darlington magistrates that Ms Cassidy had collected him from a pub earlier, but after drinking lager at home he decided to return. He became violent when she refused to take him because she had also been drinking.

"He picked up a hammer and started to hit the cabinet in the front room. Police were called because she was concerned for her safety," Ms Haigh said.

Ms Cassidy said she did not want to press charges, but the Crown Prosecution Service decided to proceed.

Smith said he had been taking tablets for depression which had brought on the outburst.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £55 prosecution costs.