A WISBECH man who assaulted his partner twice on the same day – and told her he loved her – has been ordered to take part in a domestic abuse programme. John Hill, 33, will also be supervised by the probation service for two years, and has been ordered to

A WISBECH man who assaulted his partner twice on the same day - and told her he loved her - has been ordered to take part in a domestic abuse programme.

John Hill, 33, will also be supervised by the probation service for two years, and has been ordered to pay £250 compensation to his victim Marion Clark.

Fenland magistrates heard on Tuesday how Hill punched Ms Clark in the street and dragged her by the hair after they visited North Cambs Hospital, Wisbech, on March 16.

Hill, of Weston Road, had drunk 10-to-12 cans of lager before he ran up to Ms Clark and punched her in the head. He forced her to pick up his jacket, and after saying he loved her, he punched her again.

Later the same day they were indoors when he punched her in the head, and pulled her hair. He refused to leave the Clarkson Court premises, and kicked her.

When he realised Ms Hill had contacted the police, Hill ripped the bathroom door, and he started to cry, said John Nooijen, prosecuting.

In mitigation Anita Waterman said the couple had a physical fight, punching each other, and Ms Clark had thrown Hill's jacket on the floor and refused to pick it up.

At Hill's trial, Ms Clark said she had "egged him on," to see how far she could push him.

"He does accept the blame for the incident and accepts his behaviour was entirely improper," she added.

Hill thinks the couple's relationship does not have a future.