A LIBERAL Democrat election candidate from Kidderminster must pay a hefty fine after punching his former partner in the face and pushing her into a paddling pool.

David Hollyoak, aged 51, of Greatfield Road, Kidderminster, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Redditch Magistrates’ Court on Monday, June 10.

The court heard that the self-employed man assaulted ex-partner Natalie Williams at his home, where they lived together for two years, on May 26 this year.

Prosecutor Jackie Rogers read a statement made by Ms Williams which said that Hollyoak “punched her in the face with a closed fist,” when she was standing outside on the garden patio.

The court heard that Hollyoak then pushed Ms Williams into a paddling pool with both hands.

After she got out of the pool, Hollyoak approached her for a third time. Ms Williams said she picked up a washing line prop to defend herself, which Hollyoak managed to take off her and hit her with.

The statement said Hollyoak struck her a number of times aiming for the head as she raised her arms.

Ms Williams said in the statement that he "hit so hard that the prop broke in two." She said was then pushed from behind into the pool by Hollyoak again, falling on her arms and nose.

The court heard that Ms Williams sustained bruising to her arms, a lump on her head, swelling and a cut to her nose, and bruising to her right eye.

Parts of the assault were captured on CCTV installed at Hollyoak's home.

Fergus Maxwell, for Hollyoak, said the defendant had been "drinking very heavily that day," and that he is "seeking help" for alcoholism.

He said: "Alcohol was involved in the relationship for both of them, and it is now at an end."

Mr Maxwell added: "He lost control of his life."

He also said that Ms Williams is currently on bail for attacking Mr Hollyoak, which she denies.

A letter from Wyre Forest District Council deputy leader and Liberal Democrat, Councillor Fran Oborski, was presented by Mr Maxwell, which he said was a "letter of support" to Mr Hollyoak.

Probation officer Qasam Faraz said: "He is remorseful of what happened. "He said it was something out of character and he would not do it again."

He also said Hollyoak is currently visiting Swanswell rehabilitation centre.

Hollyoak was ordered to pay a total of £1,334, which includes a £864 fine, and £250 in compensation to Ms Williams.

He received a 12-month community order, and was committed to attend a six-month alcohol treatment program at Swanswell.

A two-year restraining order was also made preventing Hollyoak from contacting Ms Williams.

Mr Hollyoak stood in this year's Wyre Forest District Council elections for the Blakebrook & Habberley South, receiving 497 votes.