A 28-year-old has been ordered to stay away from his former partner after being found guilty of assaulting her by Skipton magistrates.

Samuel Spencer-Cairns admitted criminal damage at the Skipton home of Sarah Happs, but denied assault by beating on Christmas Eve last year.

He was found guilty after trial and, after a pre-sentence report, magistrates ordered him to carry out 125 hours unpaid work with a two year community order with supervision.

Magistrates also agreed an indefinite restraining order barring him from entering Moorview Road, Skipton, and from contacting Ms Happs in any way, apart from through his solicitor in order to arrange contact with their child.

The court heard that Spencer-Cairns, of South Street, Keighley, had argued with Ms Happs at her home in Moorview Way, Skipton on December 24.

There had been two other people in the house at the time, together with Ms Happs’ children, and the adults had all been drinking, the court heard.

Spencer-Cairns had hit Ms Happs three times in the stomach with a dining knife and grabbed her around the throat.

As he left the house, Ms Happs threw a vase at him through an open window, and he picked up a metal bar, smashing a window and causing damage estimated at more than £260.

Spencer Cairns was ordered to pay compensation of £268.70 to Yorkshire Housing and a £60 victims surcharge. No order was made for costs.