A MAN accused of using threatening his partner has been fined.

Paul Curtis, 23, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour causing harassment, alarm or distress.

A second charge of assault was withdrawn.

Swindon Magistrates Court heard that Curtis had two children, aged six and eight, who he saw at weekends. Curtis’ partner collected the children from their mother’s home and returned them there.

Defending, Gordon Hotson said: “Mr Curtis used to be a regular offender. In youth court he was a regular visitor. But he’s sorted himself out.”

Magistrates heard from the probation service, who felt that there was little support they could offer Curtis, who it was said earns around £480 a week. A probation officer said: “This was the first argument he and his partner had had.” The police had not been called out to the couple’s home, she said.

Mr Mattick, chairman of the bench, said: “To give you credit, you seem to have sorted yourself out and got yourself on the straight and narrow.”

He was fined £480 and ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.