Neighbour was punched by new year reveller

A MAN who drunkenly punched a neighbour he barely knew knocking her to the floor, has been ordered to pay her compensation.

David Beynon, 57, admitted assaulting Christine Packington on New Year's Day and a charge of criminal damage from the same day.

He had returned home to his flat in Cwm Road, Swansea, at 1.15am after celebrating the new year but was unable to get through a communal door.

Prosecutor Julie Sullivan told city magistrates he started to pound on the door and was shouting for someone to let him in through the communal door.

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After around 15 minutes, Mrs Packington, wearing her dressing gown, went downstairs to let him in.

"The defendant then said to her 'What the **** took you so long' and then punched her to her face which connected with her, causing her to fall backwards and her glasses fell to the floor," said Mrs Sullivan, who told the court the victim was 5ft tall and slim build.

Beynon then tried to make his way to his flat, but was restrained by another tenant.

Mrs Sullivan said Beynon was on "nodding terms" only with Mrs Packington.

Beynon had a conviction for two assault charges from May 2012.

Dan Heard, representing Beynon, said his client had a long-standing problem with alcohol but was trying to stay clean.

"He is somebody who is very much prepared for an immediate custodial sentence but that course of action may well do more harm than good. He is someone in the past who has shown when he addresses his issues he is able to stay out of trouble," added Mr Heard.

Magistrates imposed a six-week term for the assault charge, suspended for 18 months. Another two week consecutive sentence was added for criminal damage.

Beynon was told to pay £179 compensation for the damage to the victim's glasses and £100 for the bruising. He was also ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £20 victim surcharge.