A DRUNK man who punched his partner of 11 years in the face before going on to hit and headbutt an Asian man while shouting racist abuse has avoided being jailed.

Christopher Reynolds, of Wensleydale Square, Bishop Auckland, drank 20 pints of bitter and several glasses of double Bourbon and cola prior to the assaults, which both occurred on July 2.

The 36-year-old had been drinking with his partner all afternoon and evening, but became aggressive when the couple returned home.

He pleaded guilty to assault by beating and racially aggravated assault at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Hari Jandoo, prosecuting, said Reynolds had punched his lover in the jaw with a clenched fist, bruising her face.

He said the victim had called the police, but described how, prior to their arrival, Reynolds and a friend had then assaulted an Asian man in the street, repeatedly punching and headbutting him in the nose, while shouting racist insults.

“The victim was taken to hospital,” said Mr Jandoo. “He received two cuts, his nose was bloody and he had bruises on his face.”

Robert Willoughby, mitigating, said the behaviour was out of character and said Reynolds could remember very little about what had happened.

“His partner’s grandmother had recently died and this had brought back memories of his own mother’s death and those of other members of his family who died in quick succession,”

said Mr Willoughby.

“This made him turn to drink.

“When police described the assault on his partner during interview, he was devastated.

He has never been violent towards her before.”

Mr Willoughby said Reynolds had taken a lesser role in the second assault and said this was also fuelled by alcohol, as well as an ongoing dispute between his family and the victim’s family.

Reynolds received a 26- week prison sentence, suspended for two years.

During this time, he will have to complete 12 months of probation supervision and an alcohol treatment programme.

He was also ordered to pay court costs of £85 and £150 in compensation.