A FORMER snooker ace has been heavily fined after he attacked an ex-partner in a row triggered by a dispute over a laptop.

Anthony "Tony" Knowles was handed a £5,000 fine when he appeared at South Lakeland Magistrates' Court yesterday for sentencing after he was convicted at an earlier hearing of assault by beating and admitting resisting a constable in the execution of their duty.

The trial heard how the 59-year-old, a three-times finalist in the World Professional Snooker Championship in the 1980s, subjected ex partner Nazma Craig to a "prolonged assault" at the flat above his Bowness business, Churchills Wine Bar, on October 9.

Ms Craig had told the court how the Bolton-born snooker player owed her £30,000 which he invested in The White House hotel next door to the bar. She was staying at his flat as she had nowhere else to go.

The court heard an argument was sparked after Ms Craig asked for her laptop back from Knowles who had been watching TV on it.

Magistrates heard Knowles grabbed the lap top from Ms Craig and threw it down before punching her arm and towering over her shouting abusive language continually, and telling her to leave the flat.

During the trial a weeping Ms Craig said he followed her to his bedroom and grabbed her round the throat causing her to bash her arm on a cabinet.

Knowles was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to Ms Craig, court costs of £620 and a £120 victim surcharge.

The court ordered the payment to be made within 56 days.