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Derbyshire  Times

Wednesday 31 August 2011

Law and order

A mum-to-be feared she would lose her baby when she was assaulted by her ex-partner, Chesterfield magistrates heard.

Katrina Feltham ended her relationship with Stephen Harding in January because he was bad-tempered and sometimes slapped or kicked her during rows.

The following month she found she was pregnant by him. She told him and he was pleased and wanted to resume the relationship, said Sarah Haslam, prosecuting.

“She decided to take things day-by-day but it soon became apparent he hadn’t changed his ways. She didn’t want to resume the relationship but he wouldn’t leave her alone.

“He also asked her for money for alcohol or gambling,” said Mrs Haslam.

The court was told that Harding (26) woke Ms Feltham up late on April 22 and she let him into the kitchen.

She then asked him to leave and a tussle broke out as she tried to push him outside. “She was worried about losing the baby at the time,” added Mrs Haslam.

Harding, of Porter Street, Staveley, had denied assault but changed his plea to guilty on the day of his trial.

The bench imposed a weekend curfew for five weeks, a six-month probation supervision order and an indefinite restraining order banning him from contacting Ms Feltham, whom he must pay £100 compensation.

Annette Thomas, for Harding, said the offence occurred during changes in his medication for attention deficit disorder and depression, adding: “It’s not a good idea to mix medication with alcohol. He is remorseful.”