A SKIPTON victim of domestic abuse has been warned by magistrates she remained in serious danger from her partner.

Skipton magistrates told Edward Cummins' partner that it was her decision to decline a restraining order, but she must seriously consider their relationship and keep in close contact with the domestic violence team.

Cummins, 21, who had already admitted assault and resisting arrest at Skipton Court earlier this month, had also pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Keighley Road, Skipton on January 16 at York Magistrates' Court.

Skipton magistrates told him custody had been a serious option, but instead handed him a two-year community order with supervision and 150 hours unpaid work. He will also have to attend a programme designed at building better relationships.

For being drunk and disorderly, he was fined £50 with costs of £85 and a victims surcharge of £60.

A neighbour of the couple in Highfield Terrace, Skipton called the police on the afternoon of November 23 after hearing arguing and fighting, the court heard. Police found the woman with a bloody mouth, there were punch holes in the walls of the flat, and both had been drinking Vodka and beer.

Neighbours told police they frequently heard arguing and had seen the woman with injuries in the past, including a swollen jaw, black eyes and bruising.

Her husband, from whom she had separated, also stated how he had also seen her with injuries and visibly upset.

The woman, who made a victim statement, but asked for it not to be read out in court, told police that they had argued about money and that Cummins was always more aggressive when he was in drink and although she thought they needed a break, she still loved him and wanted the best for him.

She had attended court to support him and accepted he needed help.

John Mewies, mitigating for Cummins, said both were vulnerable individuals with significant issues.

Cummins had assaulted someone he cared deeply for after drinking heavily. He had no recollection of it and it was out of character, said Mr Mewies.

He was from a very respectable Glusburn family and had been in a promising career before starting to drink, which had resulted in him losing his job.

He was now without a home, his relationship with his family had deteriorated and he was currently staying with friends.

"He bitterly regrets what he did. It was totally unacceptable that he struck his partner, thankfully, she did not need medical intervention, but she had discernible injuries to her face."

Mr Mewies added Cummins was voluntarily attending New Horizons, formerly Craven Organisation for Drugs and Alcohol. He gave court a contact address of Garden Close, Glusburn.