THE breakdown of a 14-year relationship saw Mark Nunn assault his partner, Fenland Magistrates were told on Tuesday. Nunn, 38, of Osborne Road, Wisbech, pleaded guilty to assaulting Janice Veal on September 26. Anita Waterman, defending for Nunn, said: T

THE breakdown of a 14-year relationship saw Mark Nunn assault his partner, Fenland Magistrates were told on Tuesday.

Nunn, 38, of Osborne Road, Wisbech, pleaded guilty to assaulting Janice Veal on September 26.

Anita Waterman, defending for Nunn, said: "They have accepted the relationship has broken down but, because of financial constraints, were sharing the house in very difficult conditions."

The court heard from Andrew Williams, prosecuting, that an argument broke out after Nunn told Miss Veal to move out with their three children so he could sell the house.

Nunn then pushed and punched Miss Veal around the head four of five times in front of their three children, before Miss Veal tried to escape to report the matter to police.

Nunn, who has one previous conviction for common assault in 2004, then grabbed her by the hair and dragged her back into the house before Miss Veal broke free and informed police.

But Mrs Waterman said on behalf of Nunn: "He accepts there was a push and there may be a punch but certainly not four or five punches."

Chairman of Magistrates, Peter Waterfield, said: "The children witnessed an assault on their mother. It is something that could affect them for the rest of their lives."

Nunn was released on bail, on the condition that he does not contact Miss Veal or go to her new home in Geoffrey Avenue, Wisbech, to return to court for sentencing on October 24.