AN alcohol-fuelled domestic row landed a man with a community order and fine.

Reece Day, 25, was also injecting himself with steroids at the time of the assault, which he now accepts sent him into a rage.

He admitted beating up his partner when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

The pair had been on a rare night out before he pinned her to the bed causing bruising to her neck and collarbone and left marks on her arms.

The court heard at about 11.30pm, the victim spotted an inebriated Day at their flat door with car keys.

A tussle broke out and he grabbed her by the wrists so she kicked him in the groin.

After throwing his phone from their flat window, she went to retrieve it.

While outside a further altercation happened before the pair ended up back in the flat.

Barry Hargreaves, prosecuting, said: “Suddenly she became aware he was behind her.

“He pushed her and she lost balance, then he ran off.

“He was already in the flat with her phone, which she tried to get back, and he accepts he pinned her to the bed.

“She tried to leave and he stopped her.”

At the time of the offence on June 17, Day was injecting steroids which he told police did not make him angry.

However, Paul Baker, mitigating, said his client realised he was “fooling himself”.

Both were drinking but Day had downed six pints and two glasses of vodka.

He also claimed a misunderstanding occurred between the couple as Day was going to the car for cigarettes and was texting a friend.

Mr Baker added: "Since then he's stopped using steroids and drinking."

Magistrates decided against ordering the bricklayer to pay compensation because he is the main breadwinner.

Jeremy Batchelor, chairman of the bench said: “It does not underplay the fact you injured this lady.

“The fact you were drinking is an aggravating factor.

“It makes it worse, it’s not an excuse.

“I’m pleased to hear you’ve stopped drinking and taking drugs which appear to have had an effect on your behaviour.

“It was an unpleasant incident and must’ve been for the lady involved.

“We certainly hope it doesn’t happen again.”

Day, of Rosemary Avenue, Braintree, must carry out 120 hours of unpaid work. He was also fined £170.