A Kessingland man, who punched his partner in the face during a row – after he accused her of sleeping with his son – has been given a conditional discharge.

Kevin Dallas, 46, of High Street, Kessingland, and Michelle Bayford had both been drinking when they started arguing on the afternoon of September 10 last year, Ipswich Crown Court heard yesterday.

Dallas had accused Ms Bayford of sleeping with his son and at one stage the argument spilled outside their home into the street, said Charles Myatt, prosecuting.

At one stag e during the 'rolling argument', which lasted several hours, Dallas had dragged Ms Bayford upstairs by her hair and had pinned her down on the bed with both his hands round her throat.

He had then punched her twice on the forehead causing a lump over her eye, said Mr Myatt.

Dallas admitted common assault and was given a conditional discharge for 12 months.

Sentencing Dallas, Recorder Peter Wallis told him that he did not want to send him to prison on this occasion but if he acted in the same way again it was likely he would receive a jail term.

In addition to the conditional discharge, Dallas was also ordered to pay £100 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.