A MAN assaulted his former partner, repeatedly turned up at her home, and bombarded her with phone calls.

David Williams, 44, of Bron-Yr-Ynn in Drefach, appeared at Swansea Crown Court after admitting stalking and battery.

Prosecutor Ieuan Rees said Williams’ ex-partner reported him to the police on June 11.

“He had been turning up at her house and had made several phone calls,” Mr Rees said.

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The defendant was accused of turning up at his ex-partner’s home in Llandybie three times, on one occasion banging on the door and “using abusive language”.

He was also charged with assault by beating, relating to an attack in October last year, where he was alleged to have punched his ex-partner in the face.

The court heard that Williams had previously been convicted of harassment and battery of the same victim.

“It’s becoming a bit of a habit,” Judge Geraint Walters said.

“Alcohol lies behind a lot of the offending here,” Robin Rouch said in mitigation. “It’s one of the key issues.”

Mr Rouch said that Williams suffered a family tragedy in May which “destabilised him” and caused him to lose control over his drinking.

He told the court that the defendant now admitted that he was an alcoholic and had been attending sessions with Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS).

Addressing the defendant, Judge Geraint Walters said that his ex-partner had written to the court.

“She’s written an email to the court that she doesn’t think jail is what you need, but indeed help.

“She wants you to be a good father.

“You have already taken steps to address many of these issues.

“I’m not going to send you down immediately today. It seems to me it would do more harm than good.”

He sentenced Williams to six months, suspended for two years. He must complete the Building Better Relationships programme, 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and a six-month alcohol treatment requirement.

“You really do need to demonstrate that you want to put your back in to it,” he said.

Judge Walters granted the victim a restraining order against Williams for five years.

“At the moment, she’s very adamant. She’s had enough. You have got to respect that,” he said.

The prosecution offered no evidence on a charge of strangulation relating to the October attack, and a not guilty verdict was entered.