A BALA man has pleaded guilty to assaulting his partner.

Magistrates at Dolgellau were shown photographs of injuries including a black eye which were sustained by a Bala woman after being assaulted.

Marius Lourikietis, 27, of 23 Arran Street, Bala, pleaded guilty to assaulting Leah Jones at 14 Yr Hafan on 10 April.

Tracey Willingham, prosecuting, said that the assault was classed as domestic violence because of the relationship between the defendant and the victim.

The crown prosecutor told the court that the incident was brought to the attention of the police by a friend of the victim who was concerned about the domestic violence.

The victim has told police that she would not be asking for a restraining order, but felt that the defendant needed help to control his anger, said the prosecutor.

When interviewed by police the defendant agreed that he needed help to control his anger, especially after consuming alcohol.

The crown prosecutor said that at a previous hearing regarding another case, the magistrates had imposed a pub ban on the defendant and said that the defendant had made 14 court appearances involving 25 offences.

The court probation officer said that there would have to be a full pre sentence report and the magistrates agreed.

Sentence was adjourned until 2 June for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.

Court chairman Alun Pugh told the defendant: “Because this case involves domestic violence and we have seen the injuries sustained by Leah Jones, we need reports and they will be ready in time for the 2 June. You will be granted conditional bail until that date.”

On leaving court Lourikietis thanked the court and reiterated that he accepted that he needed help.