A former successful hairdresser with a string of salons has been handed a two-year community sentence by Skipton magistrates for assaulting his partner and a police officer.

Terrence Teal, 47, punched his partner at her narrowboat moored on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal behind Herriot’s Hotel, Skipton, after the pair had been out drinking, the court heard on Friday.

He then swung punches at Pc Christopher Dyson, called out to a report of a domestic incident. PC Dyson managed to avoid being punched by angry Teal but was forced to use his Taser twice to get him under control and avoid both of them ending up in the canal, the court heard.

Pc Dyson called for back-up and Teal was arrested and taken to the police station.

His partner, Gillian Burgess, suffered bruises to her arm and face, and the officer was cut on his hand, believed caused by Teal’s fingernails.

Teal, now living in Tinshill Lane, Cookridge, had earlier admitted common assault and assaulting an officer.

He appeared in court on Friday in custody after breaching a pre-sentence condition not to approach Ms Burgess.

In mitigation, John Kelly said Teal was a depressive with a drink problem while Ms Burgess suffered from being bipolar.

“They have a very volatile relationship. It has lasted for three years and since being before court the first time there have been five breaches of bail.

“He has been back each time because she has asked him to go back,” he said.

Magistrates handed Teal the community order with supervision and a requirement that he attends 30 sessions of a relationships programme. He was also ordered to pay compensation of £100 to both Ms Burgess and Pc Dyson, costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £60.

The bench also agreed to a two-year restraining order preventing Teal from contacting in any way Ms Burgess, including by social networking or electronically, and not to approach her boat. Teal was told if Ms Burgess wanted to lift the restraining order, she would have to apply to the court.