A HONITON man has admitted assaulting his former girlfriend in her home after a fall out.

But Bradley Spiller, 25, said he had pushed Jadie Chalk in self-defence after she struck him.

Central Devon Magistrates’ Court heard he went into the kitchen of Ms Chalk’s family home and hit his hand down on to hers, which had been on a work top.

Prosecuting, Sonia Oldakowska said it had been a deliberate act, but Spiller argued it had been reckless – and he did not intend to hit her.

Ms Oldakowska said Spiller had kicked Ms Chalk in the stomach and pushed her into the work top. She said they then went into the bedroom – where some of his belongings were – and he pushed and shoved her.

In mitigation, Rachel Bentley said Spiller had acted in frustration and accepted he had caught Ms Chalk’s hand. But Ms Bentley said it had been a ‘reckless action’.

She said the kick to the stomach had been disputed, and the pushing and shoving were denied.

She said: “She [Ms Chalk] struck the defendant. He said he pushed her in self-defence.”

The court heard Spiller was previously of good character.

Spiller has also pleaded guilty to a charge of common assault against Sarah Spurway,

The court was told she was a friend of Ms Chalk and had been sitting on the stairs and Spiller spat at her as he was leaving.

He pleaded guilty to a further charge of criminal damage, for damaging a clock, curtains, internal door and other furnishings to a value unknown.

All three incidents took place on April 5.

Ms Oldakowska said Ms Chalk had retracted her statement and no longer supported the prosecution. She was described as a “reluctant witness”.

The court heard Ms Chalk had suffered bruising to her arm and head.

A nurse said she had minimal movement of her arm, but there was no medical evidence to corroborate the injuries.

The case was adjourned for reports from the probation service.

Spiller is expected to be sentenced on July 21.

The chairman of the bench said they were looking at a community order.