A 40-YEAR-old man grabbed the hair of his partner in front of a neighbour at their Worcestershire home, a court heard.

Curtis Jones, of Elgar Avenue, Malvern, covered his face as he left Worcester Magistrates Court following his sentencing.

Andrew Mitchinson, prosecuting, said at midnight on December 12 last year the neighbour had been attending to her car when she heard screaming coming from the next door house in Hanley Swan, near Malvern.

The prosecutor said: "She went into the house and saw this defendant sat on the sofa, the victim between his legs."

Malvern Gazette: COURT: Curtis Jones leaving Worcester Magistrates CourtCOURT: Curtis Jones leaving Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

Mr Mitchinson said the neighbour witnessed Jones pulling her hair before she confronted him saying "What do you think you are doing, get your hands off her".

The prosecutor said the 40-year-old replied: "I'm not doing anything, she deserves it," before the victim left with the neighbour.

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Mr Mitchinson added the defendant's previous convictions included criminal damage and motoring matters. 

Mark Sheward, defending Jones, said the defendant originally denied assault by beating, but admitted the charge prior to a trial.

Mr Sheward said the victim had not supported the prosecution and the pair wanted to continue their relationship. 

Malvern Gazette: CASE: Curtis Jones case was heard at Worcester Magistrates CourtCASE: Curtis Jones case was heard at Worcester Magistrates Court

The solicitor said the pair had been arguing and Jones claimed he had been assaulted first suffering injuries. 

"He pushed her away in self-defence - but he overstepped the mark slightly by pulling her hair," Mr Sheward said. 

"She had no physical injuries.

"He wants to get his life back with his partner."

After deliberations, chairman of the magistrates bench Judith Hulland announced Jones would be fined £810. 

Jones was also told to pay victim surcharge of £324, and costs of £300. 

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Jones' offer to pay the total, £1,434, at a rate of £100 per month was rejected - the chairman explaining they wanted the full amount paid off in 12 months. 

A second offer of £120 was accepted. 

Jones was also handed a one-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the neighbour in any way or going to her property. 

Jones put his hood up and, through the help of a supporter, ensured his face wasn't pictured as he left the court on Monday, (March 27).