A TAXI driver attacked his girlfriend in front of their young daughter after a row over rent.

Swindon Magistrates' Court heard how Peter Hirst, 31, who was living in Park South at the time of the two attacks, lost his temper after his partner, Emma Long, spent their rent money.

Hirst was handed a two year community rehabilitation order and told to do 60 hours community service after admitting one charge of common assault and another of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Marion Langford, prosecuting, told the court, how on March 4, Hirst barged into Ms Long's friend's house and dragged her around her by her hair.

Hirst was arrested for the assault and while on police bail he beat her up again.

This time it was at their home in Park South, on March 23, when Ms Long and their daughter had returned from a women's refuge to use the washing machine. Hirst admitted kicking and punching Ms Long to the ground while their daughter watched. Mrs Langford said: "She (Ms Long) feared for her safety, she didn't know what he would do."

But David Gostling, defending, said Hirst was a man of previous good character who had been pushed to the edge by his girlfriend.

He said: "He has worked all his life, he has got a supportive family and he has no previous convictions.

"He is a man who lost his temper when, shall we say, most of us would be stretched."

Mr Gostling, who said after the second attack, which left Ms Long needing hospital treatment for a cut to her head, Hirst was, "immediately disgusted with himself and deeply shocked."

Sentencing Hirst chairwoman of the bench, Jane Flew, told him: "This court considers domestic violence to be entirely unacceptable." Hirst, who is living with his parents in Wales as part of his bail conditions and is intending to return to Swindon, was also told to pay £150 compensation to his ex-girlfriend and £70 in court costs.

He knocked her into a stereo, kicked her and then pushed her out of the house with his hands around her throat.

The attack only ended when she managed to scramble free and run down the street.

handed the court character references from Hirst's friends,

We view very seriously the fact that a child was present."

Gareth Bethell