A MAN handed a restraining order today (Thursday May 9) after assaulting his pregnant ex-partner said he had been provoked by Facebook.

Darlington Magistrate’s Court heard that Neil Richards, 25, had spotted a post by his ex-girlfriend Laura Mosley on the social networking site commenting on his new relationship.

Angered by the comment, Richards, of Goodison Way, Darlington, went to Ms Mosley’s home, where an argument erupted between the pair.

Representing himself, Richards admitted he had grabbed Ms Mosley’s face. He said: “We were arguing and she turned away and I grabbed her face and turned it around again. I did not just go for her, we were arguing.”

He pleaded guilty to one count of assault by beating and was ordered to serve a community order of six months and pay Ms Mosley compensation of £50, a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

A two-year restraining order was also put in place, meaning Richards must not contact Ms Mosley except through a third party for the purposes of contact with their children.