A man with alcohol and anger issues punched his girlfriend in the face in front of a child, Welshpool Magistrates’ Court heard this week.

Simon James Bailey, 39, could be heard in an audio recording on his partner’s, Olivia Morris’, phone hurling verbal abuse at her before lashing out.

Ms Morris, who said in a victim personal statement that “he needs help”, was present in court on Tuesday as Bailey pleaded guilty to assaulting her.

Helen Tench, prosecuting, said: “Ms Morris has been in a relationship with the defendant for the last six years.

“As the relationship went on she realised the defendant had issues with alcohol.”

Mrs Tench said that on the evening of June 3, Bailey, Ms Morris and her 12-year-old son were watching television at their home in Llanbrynmair. Bailey was drunk and began verbally abusing his partner and she started recording him on her phone.

He could be heard saying: “I’m going to break your jaw,” and “look at the state of you”.

He tried to stand up, but tripped and Ms Morris grabbed the belt loops of his trousers to stop him falling.

He then “threw a punch at her face,” said Mrs Tench.

“She was frightened for her safety and that of her son. She shouted at the defendant, ‘this is the last time’.”

Ms Morris restrained Bailey until the police arrived.

When interviewed, he said they had “not had the best of days,” but denied intentionally punching her.

Mrs Tench added: “The complainant is in court and she has expressed a view that, as he has pleaded guilty, she will be seeking support with a view to the relationship continuing.”

In Ms Morris’ victim statement, she said: “He needs to have his problems with alcohol addressed.

“I am supportive of the prosecution, not because he needs to be punished but because he needs help.”

Owain Jones, for Bailey, said: “The defendant concedes that the comments attributed to him are repulsive.

“He can’t remember much, he was intoxicated but he is genuinely sorry. Fortunately there was no significant injury.

“There is hope of reconciliation between the parties. There are three children and this has been a difficult time for the whole family.”

The court also heard that Bailey had no previous convictions, and was willing to work with Kaleidoscope to address his alcohol issues.

Sentencing was adjourned until August 1 for a probation report to be prepared.