A FATHER-OF-NINE punched his Weston partner after a drunken night out, a court was told.

Usman Hamid struck Sabrina Phillipson in a taxi after drinking a whole bottle of vodka.

An argument broke out while the pair were in Weston on May 12, North Somerset Courthouse was told this week.

Michael Collins, prosecuting, said Hamid, sitting in the front of the taxi, became violent on the way home and punched Ms Phillipson as they travelled in Winterstoke Road.

Hamid said: “The only reason I did what I did was because of the alcohol. I totally regret what I did.”

Hamid, who lives in Birmingham, was visiting his Weston partner and children for the weekend.

Jane Corke, chair of the bench, handed the 29-year-old a 12-month community order after he admitted one charge of common assault. Hamid, of Blakeland Street, was given a year-long supervision order and ordered to complete a 30-day anti-domestic violence course. He must also pay £85 costs and £60 victim surcharge.