Martin Blacklock, of Aureole Walk, Newmarket, appeared before magistrates at Bury St Edmunds on Thursday after earlier pleading guilty to assaulting Clare Seager.

Iain Devine, prosecuting, told magistrates how Blacklock had slapped his partner of two years around the face after an argument on June 15.

Shortly before the incident, the court heard that both of them had been drinking at a pub in town.

Mitigating, Kevin McCarthy said: "This is a moment of great regret for my client. Firstly, for the fact that he is appearing in court and secondly, for the moment of madness when he lost his temper against someone who he loves dearly."

Two days after releasing him on bail, police were informed that Blacklock had gone to Miss Seager's home – a breach of his conditions.

During a search of her house, police found Blacklock hiding under the bed covers.

Mr McCarthy added: "This is a farcical breach of bail. The pair desperately want to be reconciled."

Magistrates handed the 40 year old a two-year conditional discharge and told him to pay £60 costs.