A MOTHER who slapped and punched her partner after he verbally abused her has been given a six-month community order.

Victoria Hayes admitted two charges of assaulting Michael Kincell by beating when she appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

Prosecutor Pauline Lambert said both assaults happened following drunken nights out when they were at wedding receptions in Swindon. Both had admitted using class A drugs.

In one incident on July 13 she slapped him. Then on September 4 she punched him in the face.

The last assault was reported to the police by the victim’s mother who was babysitting the couple’s baby, she said.

When she was interviewed by police she said she had been drunk on both occasions. Her partner had been dancing with other women and making insulting remarks to her. Afterwards she stayed at the hotel while he went home.

Hayes, 34, of Cunetio Gardens, White Horse, Marlborough, had no previous convictions but was cautioned in 2014 for possession of drugs and a public order offence.

Terry MCarthy, defending, said her partner had not made the complaint.

“She tells me she is quite stressed out about having to give evidence in a forthcoming crown court case.”

Following an adjournment for a stand down report from the probation service, the court heard the couple was still together and police had confirmed there were no previous call outs.

A community order with activity days could be tailored to support her with the court case and help her with drugs and alcohol issues.

District Judge Simon Cooper said the couple had an 11-month-old child to look after between them and that domestic violence was taken seriously, although the bench did understand her partner had been abusive towards her.

He imposed a community order for six months, including ten rehabilitation activity days and ordered her to pay an £85 victim surcharge.