Pennine magistrates heard Bernard Paul Roberts was a bully and controlling according to Donna Bamber, but she told the police: "Better the devil you know."

Roberts, a jobless former groundworker, had threatened to break Miss Bamber's face as he set about her. The victim's schoolgirl niece flagged down police who found the defendant guzzling a bottle of vodka. He then beat up an officer as he was being arrested, the court was told.

Roberts (38), of Railway Street, Nelson, admitted police assault and common assault. He was given a two-year community order with supervision by the Bench, who told him the prosecution had painted a shocking picture. The defendant also received alcohol treatment and must pay £100 compensation. The chairman warned him: "Keep off the booze."

Mr Andrew Robinson (prosecuting) said Miss Bamber had had an eight-year on/off relationship with the defendant. He had begun to be violent to her after two months.

She was at home when the defendant grabbed her by the throat, hit the side of her face and was abusive to her. He told her: "I will break your face" but then carried on as if nothing had happened.

Mr Robinson said Roberts carried on being insulting for two hours, Miss Bamber went into the street and the defendant followed her and told her to go home. He then grabbed her coat, slapped her face and she wriggled out of the coat to get away. Her niece flagged down a police car. Officers went to Roberts's home and told him he was under arrest. He grabbed a bottle of vodka, started to guzzle from it and was clearly drunk. He had to be restrained, was parva sprayed and punched an officer in the nose. Roberts had no convictions for violence.

Mr Bill Berry (defending) said Roberts was deeply ashamed. He had a long-standing alcohol problem that had worsened after Christmas when he contracted pneumonia. He had been in hospital, developed blood clots, was prescribed warfarin and painkillers and had not been able to work since.

He found it very difficult to cope, his drinking escalated and he got depressed. There were problems in his relationship with the victim.

Mr Berry continued: "He can recall very little. He is mortified by what has happened. He was mortified as his behaviour was witnessed by her children and he very much regrets that."

The defendant, who was waiting to see a psychiatrist, had reduced his alcohol intake. He needed help to beat "this demon."

Mr Berry added Miss Bamber was at court to support the defendant. He added: "She has made it clear he will have to sort himself out before she has him back, but she hasn't closed the door on him."