A Skipton couple had reconciled after a late-night argument in the town centre, magistrates heard.

Mark Tetley was in breach of a 12-month conditional discharge for assault when he shoved girlfriend Emma Barrett over in Sackville Street on November 1, Skipton magistrates were told.

The incident was witnessed by Tetley’s sister Sharon, who recognised her brother’s voice and looked out of her nearby window, the court heard.

Tetley, 22, admitted common assault and accepted he was in breach of the conditional discharge imposed by Skipton magistrates in June.

Ms Barrett had refused to supply a statement to police, but the prosecution had gone ahead based on the evidence of the police officer who witnessed her distress immediately following the incident.

But in mitigation, John Mewies said the couple had reconciled and that the pressure of the court case was putting stress on their relationship.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing for reports and gave Tetley bail on condition that that he lived and slept at his home address in Belle Vue Terrace and did not approach directly or indirectly his sister.