A 22-year-old man whose girlfriend fell down stairs and broke her ankle after he punched her and threatened her with a knife has been given a community order.

Bradley Eaton had flown into a rage “out of nowhere” while he and his girlfriend were in his bedroom and punched her in the head, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

He had called her a “cheat” and a “slag” and had attacked her again when she refused to give him her mobile phone, said Richard Potts, prosecuting.

At one stage Eaton picked up a knife, and as the victim tried to leave the house she fell down some stairs.

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The victim managed to get out of the house and was then kicked by Eaton, said Mr Potts.

She was later found to have suffered a fractured ankle and heel.

Eaton, of Herbert Way, Colchester, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and assault by beating and was given a 24-month community order and ordered to attend a Building Better Relationships programme and do 100 hours of unpaid work.

He was also banned from contacting the victim.

Edward Renvoize, for Eaton, who spent three months in custody, said the relationship with the victim was now over.

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