The court was told Nigel Albert Schofield set about terrified wheelchair-bound stroke victim Karen Storey 12 days apart, leaving her injured and in tears. The defendant hit Miss Storey's leg, which she wears a caliper on, kicked and punched her, hit her repeatedly and poured red wine over her.

Schofield (56), of Henry Street, Nelson, had earlier admitted two counts of assault by beating last August. He received 180 hours unpaid work and was told to pay £300 compensation and £250 costs.

Chairman James McGowan slammed Schofield's conduct as "despicable" and said he was lucky he was not going to prison. He told the defendant: "You should feel embarrassed and ashamed of yourself."

Mr Bill Maude (prosecuting) told the court, about 1 a.m., the victim was in her wheelchair in the lounge and the defendant was asleep on the settee. He had been drinking wine and punch all evening and she had had some whisky.

He woke up, smashed a CD, became angry, turned to face his partner and hit her repeatedly. Schofield then picked up a bottle of red wine and poured it over the victim, covering her from head to foot. He slapped her on the back, asked for a cigarette and when he didn't get one, hit her again and left.

A carer who arrived in the morning found her with reddening to her arm, chest and back, two swollen toes and smelling of wine. The victim was crying continually.

Mr Maude said, days later, Schofield was to collect his belongings from Miss Storey when a carer was present as she was frightened of him but he arrived early and lost his temper when the victim told him to go.

He kicked and punched Miss Storey, 12 to 15 times, before leaving. Her carer found her bruised and with a swollen foot and red knee the next morning. Mr Maude said: "The victim trusted the defendant. She was indeed a vulnerable individual."

Miss Hilary Doherty (defending) said the offences were "serious, unpleasant and wholly unacceptable." Schofield accepted full responsibility for his actions, was deeply remorseful and did not seek to put the blame on Miss Storey. The relationship was now over.