A man who punched his girlfriend in the face on Valentine's Day has been handed a community order.

Gaij Ray Murdoch, of Brayton Street, Workington, admitted assaulting Katie Richards by beating her.

Workington Magistrates Court heard that police were called to Miss Richards' house following the incident on February 14.

Pam Fee, prosecuting, said Murdoch had "lost his temper and punched her to the face".

He then took their 10 month old baby and left the house at around 9.30pm.

Ms Fee said: "She was extremely upset about the incident.There was blood smeared across the living room floor. He had lost his temper with her.

"He admitted he had punched her in the face. He made the suggestion she was going at him first. She had hit him as he went to leave the address. The blood was his."

Miss Richards is now receiving support from social services, the court was told.

Dave Martin, defending, said: "When police came to the address he was immediately apologetic and did feel terrible about it.

"They had been going through a rough time. The lockdown had got to both of them.

"He admits striking her. He is extremely sorry about it.

"He fully accepts he has a problem with his temper. He has been having counselling.

"He does love his partner and apologises to her again, through me.

"It's a very short lived incident. One single blow."

Murdock was handed a community order with three requirements. He must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and 30 days of a building better relationships course.

He was also ordered to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work and must pay a £95 victim surcharge and £85 costs.