Assaulting the mother of his child has cost a Tenby man his relationship, home, job and £635.

Richard Lloyd Thomas, 38, of St Marys Street, was due to stand trial at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Wednesday, September 13, but changed his plea to guilty before the hearing.

He admitted assaulting Jessica Powling by beating her in Tenby on August 12.

The court heard that the couple, who had been in a relationship for more than two years and had a young child together, had been drinking the previous evening. Miss Powling was woken at 6am on August 12 by Thomas coming into the room and accusing her of being unfaithful.

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, prosecuting, said: “She denied that, but due to his body language and aggression she thought that he was not going to accept what she was saying and the situation was going to get worse.”

Miss Powling decided to leave, but Thomas grabbed her around the throat and arm then threw her to the floor, leaving her with marks and bruising.

When Thomas went upstairs to the bathroom, she took the opportunity to pick up the child and leave.

Mark Layton, defending, told the bench that Thomas had pleaded guilty on the basis that there was a disagreement between the two which led to a scuffle.

He said Thomas had been working into the early hours of the morning and both had been drinking.

Mr Layton added: “He acknowledges that this relationship has come to an end and they can both move on with their lives.”

The court heard that Thomas, a father-of-three, had already served the equivalent of a ten week custodial sentence on remand awaiting trial. He had a previous conviction for assaulting Miss Powling last year.

Mr Layton added that Thomas had lost his relationship, job and home as a result of the incident

Thomas was sentenced to a two year community order with 100 hours of unpaid work and a 30 day rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was also ordered to pay £400 court costs, £150 compensation to Miss Powell and an £85 surcharge.

A restraining order not to contact Miss Powling was agreed by magistrates.