A MAN with a history of domestic violence assaulted his pregnant former girlfriend after losing his temper, a court heard.

Charles Spooner admitted assault by beating at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

Stephen Sparkes, prosecuting, said: “It was 1am when the victim left her friends and called her ex-partner for a lift.

“She was six months pregnant with the defendant’s child. At that point they were getting on.

"He arrived and she suspects he has been drinking so refused to get into the car.”

The court heard he grabbed her, she slapped him and walked off to get a taxi instead.

Spooner followed her, grabbed her phone and pushed her into a taxi.

Mr Sparkes said: “The defendant has previous domestic violence convictions with previous parters, several.”

The court heard Spooner, 31, of Arnhem Grove, Braintree had previously been given a two-year community order with a specialist Thinking Skills programme after similar incidents against the mother of another of his children.

The order was later reduced and then revoked.

District Judge John Woollard warned Spooner if he keeps committing incidents of domestic violence he will be jailed.

Spooner was sentenced to a new 24 month community order with requirements to attend a building greater relationships course with 29 programme sessions.

He must also carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.