Nelson man made partner's life 'a living hell'

Bernard Paul Roberts, 38, was a bully and controlling according to Donna Bamber, but she had 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 the police who found the defendant guzzling a bottle of vodka. He then struck an officer as he was being arrested, Burnley Magistrates heard.

Roberts, 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."

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.

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 with parva sprayed and punched an officer in the face. Roberts had no convictions for violence.

Bill Berry, defending, said Roberts was deeply ashamed. He had a long-standing alcohol problem and 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.

Mr Berry continued :"He can recall very little. He's mortified by what's happened.