Jobless James Lang had been drinking when he had an argument with his partner and punched her, magistrates were told.

At Didcot Court, Jan Davies, prosecuting, said: "Lang drank several cans of lager and half-a-bottle of whisky when he became argumentative and aggressive."

It was alleged he punched Dawn Sweatman over a disagreement about their dog going in and out of the house.

Lang, 27, of Alden Farm Cottages, Upton, near Didcot, agreed to be bound over in the sum of £100 to keep the peace for 12 months. Magistrates dismissed a charge of assaulting Miss Sweatman on November 20.

A further charge of causing £400 criminal damage to windows at their rented home was adjourned to a date to be arranged after Mrs Davies said Lang had repaired the damage and was expected to be given a caution by police.

Julia Moffatt, defending, said the couple had had a good Christmas and a bind over was an appropriate way of dealing with the matter.

Lang was seeking help for his drink problem.