A MAN who knocked his ex-partner’s front tooth out has been ordered to pay compensation.

Matthew Herridge, 42, of Military Road, Colchester, admitted assaulting the woman.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard Herridge and the woman had been drinking before they got into an argument.

Herridge struck the woman’s mouth once.

Philip Pearson, prosecuting, said the injury meant the woman would require extensive dental work.

Nicholas Chilvers, chair of the magistrates, told Herridge: “It is not lost on us the harm that was done to the victim.”

Herridge was given a restraining order, which will be in place for two years.

The order means he must not go to Provenance Way, Colchester, or contact the victim.

He was also given a two-year community order, must attend a building better relationships and an alcohol treatment programme and was told to pay £150 compensation.