AN Aberystwyth pensioner charged with assaulting his partner told police they had been “play-fighting” and she had fallen out of bed, magistrates have heard.

Richard Kenneth Thorpe, of St Davids Quay, Penyranchor, Trefechan, admitted assaulting Maria Leydon on 6 June.

Ms Leydon said that Thorpe had punched her in the back while they were in bed before kicking her in the stomach and into an ironing board.

However, Thorpe, 70, insisted to police that the couple had been “play-fighting” and he had accidentally pushed Ms Leydon off the bed without intending to assault her.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said Thorpe and Ms Leydon had booked into a hotel in Aberystwyth for two nights as a treat and had been out for a few drinks and a meal before returning to their room.

While Ms Leydon slept, Thorpe went out again but came back and was asked by Ms Leydon to take a shower before going to bed. Ms Tench said that Thorpe did so and got into bed, but that he then punched Ms Leydon in the back.

Ms Leydon jumped out of bed, but Thorpe then kicked out, catching Ms Leydon in the stomach and knocking her into an ironing board.

In a police interview, Thorpe said the couple had been play-fighting and that Ms Leydon had hit him in the ear quite hard before he pushed out and Ms Leydon fell off the bed.

However, Ms Tench said Thorpe had written a letter to Ms Leydon saying that he accepted what she said and said he would admit an assault charge to spare her a court case.

Thorpe, who represented himself, said that he still maintained that his version of events was true.

But he said he did not want Ms Leydon, who magistrates were told did not support the prosecution, to have to go through a trial.

Thorpe was made subject to a community order for a year by Aberystwyth magistrates and will have to complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He will also have to abide by a curfew between 8pm and 8am for a fortnight.

Prosecution costs of £170 were awarded against Thorpe.