A MAN who assaulted his ex-partner found himself facing several members of her family at a pub, a court heard.

Kyle Dowling, of Ewart Street in Saltney, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday for sentence.

The 27-year-old had previously admitted three counts of assault by beating, one of criminal damage and one of using threatening language or behaviour.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court police were called on September 28 last year regarding reports of shouting outside an address in Lavender Court, Shotton.

Two males were arguing and one had kicked out at a car.

When the police arrived, Amy Leeder told them she was the ex partner of Dowling, who had grabbed her around the neck outside a Wetherspoons pub, as well as her mum.

The defendant had also assaulted Ms Leeder's relatives Ben and Liam during the incident.

Dowling was located and arrested for three assaults and the damage caused to the car he'd kicked.

The court heard a statement from Amy Leeder's mother, in which she explained the defendant had been in a relationship with her daughter and had worked as a chef at her pub, the Castle Inn.

But that fell apart when, Mr Espie said, Dowling had been caught stealing money.

There had been many arguments during the defendant and Amy Leeder's relationship, the court heard.

Simon Simmons, defending, told the court: "He had gone to the pub on his own and the complainant at the time wasn't happy about that.

"So she kept coming up to him. She had a bee in her bonnet about him.

"He's minding his own business, trying to get away from a problem at home.

"He says as she kept going, he pushed her away and he accepts that was an assault.

"All her family then attend; brothers, sisters - and he's on his own."

Mr Simmons said the attendance of the complainant's family had prompted his client to react in the way he did.

District Judge Gwyn Jones told the defendant: "It is clear the family got involved and were unfortunately subjected to some force.

"There was also damage to a car belonging to Sian Leeder.

"These incidents happened on licenced premises in a domestic context."

Dowling was made the subject of an 18-month community order with 20 days of rehabilitation activity and 160 hours of unpaid work.

He must pay £200 compensation to Amy Leeder, and £100 compensation each to Ben, Liam and Sian Leeder, as well as £85 court costs.

The District Judge imposed a four year restraining order prohibiting him from approaching or contacting the Leeder family, and from attending the pub they run, the Castle Inn.