AN IRVINE man has been ordered to complete a behavioural programme for domestic abusers after admitting assaulting his partner.

Craig McGavin pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week.

Court papers stated the 40-year-old pushed the woman on the body, causing her to fall against a wall, at his home in Jermond Drive on October 23 last year.

He also struck the victim on the head, seized hold of her throat and pushed her onto a bed.

The charge added that McGavin again seized hold of the woman's throat and applied pressure to it, to her injury.

A not guilty plea to a second charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting, swearing, referring to the woman in abusive and derogatory terms, throwing household items and threatening her with violence was accepted by prosecutors.

McGavin, of Jermond Drive, was given a community payback order and must complete 90 hours of unpaid work within 12 months.

He will also be under supervision of the social work department for two years and must attend the Caledonian Programme for men convicted of domestic abuse offences.