A TRUCK driver assaulted his estranged partner when he returned to the marital home after drinking during the day.

Blackburn magistrates heard David Ellis Knight had been living in his car prior to the unannounced visit.

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Knight, 39, of Nutter Road, Accrington, pleaded guilty to assaulting Tina Callaghan and being drunk and disorderly. He was fined £165 and ordered to pay £150 criminal court charge, £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said police were called to a domestic incident asked Knight to leave the house.

“He admitted that during the incident he had gripped his estranged partner by the shoulders.

Richard Prew, defending, said: “Two years ago he went back to long distance driving which kept him away from home for much of the week and he feels that may have affected the relationship.”