STONEMASON Mark Anderson said “I’m sorry but I’ve got to do this,” before beating up his partner with a rolling pin after a row.

Anderson, 40, was spared immediate jail after the judge was told that his partner, Ceri Evans, didn’t want a restraining order and it was likely the pair would get back together.

At Caernarfon Crown Court Anderson, of Dorvil Street, Blaenau Ffestiniog, was given a 32-week prison sentence suspended for two years after pleading guilty to causing actual bodily harm.

He must attend a 35-day programme to deal with relationships and alcohol, and also undertake 20 days of rehabilitation and costs of £140 must be paid.

Judge David Hale told him that whatever pressures he was under there was no excuse for “taking a rolling pin and hitting her with it. Fortunately for you the injuries weren’t serious.”

He added: “She wants you back. But she doesn’t want the person who hits her – she wants the person who’s nice to her, supportive of her.” The judge said drink had not been involved.

Emmalyne Downing, prosecuting, said that before the incident in December Ceri Evans had found the heels of three pairs of her shoes had been snapped and a dress ripped.

At about 5.30pm he’d picked up the rolling pin and hit her with five blows, two to the back of the head and others to her shoulders and back. She left the house and said she would call police.

Miss Downing said Anderson had previous convictions, three for domestic incidents, including two relating to a former partner.

Simon Rogers, defending, said Anderson had been under pressure because of the loss of a job and problems involving an ex partner.

He’d kept out of trouble for a number of years “and probably this is someone who can have a good and positive relationship with the complainant and the children of the relationship.”

Judge Hale warned that if Anderson breaches his suspended sentence “down the steps he goes.”