Teenager threw partner into bushes

4:31pm Friday 25th April 2008

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A WOULD-be soldier said to have picked up his partner and thrown her into a bush in a drunken row was given a community order.

Burnley magistrates heard how a police officer had been alerted by a member of the public who had seen a woman being chased and shouting for help.

When an officer arrived James Bannister, 18, abused the woman and pushed her.

He shouted: "I'm sorry" as he was being led to the police van.

Bannister, who had been given a community order with an attendance centre requirement the day before the trouble, admitted common assault.

The defendant, of Lane House, Trawden, received a six month community penalty with supervision and 12 hours at the attendance centre.

Bill Maude, prosecuting, told the court the defendant and victim, Jennie Fletcher, had rowed on the way back from Asda. Miss Fletcher did not co-operate with police over the allegation.

A police officer arrived and saw the defendant pushing a young female. The officer got out of the van and took her to one side. Miss Fletcher did not want to make a formal statement, but confirmed Bannister had lost his temper, picked her up and threw her into a bush.

Mark Williams, defending, said both Bannister and Miss Fletcher had had a lot to drink and had had a "falling out do".

Bannister, who wanted to join the Army, was no longer with Miss Fletcher.