A violent Sunderland dad who beat his girlfriend has been handed a 120-day alcohol ban by a court in a bid to curb his aggression.

Louis Breeds, 32, of Spring Garden Close, Hendon, must not drink until late June as part punishment for his attack at a property in Washington on Sunday, January 18.

If Breeds does, it will show on an electronic tag he must wear which watches for alcohol intake – and he could be hauled back before a court.

South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard the water tank repairman threw his victim around and punched her in the head, leaving her battered and bruised.

She was able to call police but later retracted her complaint, but police pushed ahead with charges after finding the assault had been caught on home CCTV.

Breeds has a previous conviction for attacking a partner with whom he also had a child, which led to a restraining order being imposed in 2016, the court was told.

Prosecutor Emily Hunt said his latest attack carried a prison term of up to 16 weeks, and added: “The victim rang the police, saying that she was black and blue.

“She retracted her statement but there was Ring doorbell evidence. There were bruises to her arms and legs.

“Ring doorbell from the rear shows him throwing her around and punching her in the head.

“At one point, she was on the ground. She threw him off and he then went out the back door of the property.

“He has seven previous convictions from nine offences, with two being against the person. He was last before the courts in 2018 for two shopliftings.

“A previous partner had a restraining order against him in 2016 for assault and criminal damage. The current victim doesn’t want a restraining order.”

Breeds pleaded guilty to a charge of assault by beating.

Annalisa Moscardini, defending, said: “He’s very remorseful for what happened. His behaviour was completely unacceptable.

“He doesn’t want to find himself back before the court. He has been out of trouble for some time. There is a previous domestic but that was from 10 years ago.

“The current complainant doesn’t want to have a restraining order. They have a child together and will be co-parenting.

“He is a skilled operator and fixes and repairs water tanks. He has some work coming up in the Lake District – he’s in meaningful employment.

“He’s very sorry for this and will comply with whatever order the court gives.”

Magistrates also sentenced Breeds to an 18-month community order, with 27 rehabilitation days, and must pay a £114 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.