A FAMILY birthday turned into a violent attack after a Weston mum was left clutching her baby while fighting off her ‘abusive’ former boyfriend.

Ex-serviceman, Kelvin Green, appeared at North Somerset Courthouse in St Georges on March 24 to plead guilty to assault by beating.

The court heard how the 24-year-old, of Highbury Parade, visited his ex-girlfriend, Kirsty Bryant, and their daughter, Olivia, on her first birthday on February 1.

Prosecuting, Kelly Marshall said the couple had split up in November after a two year relationship, and relations were ‘not great’.

During the visit Green became annoyed after Ms Bryant said Olivia could not see his parents.

Ms Marshall said: “She was backing away from him with Olivia in her right arm and he then put both hands around her jaw and neck.

“She was trying to push him away and was scared she was going to get hurt and drop the baby.

“She was screaming for him to get off her but he wouldn’t let her go.

“He forced her head against the wall and banged it against the wall - she was shouting and screaming.”

Ms Bryant, who was left with redness around her neck and a sore head, managed to escape and call the police.

A statement from Ms Bryant, read by Ms Marshall, said: “This isn’t the first time he has been abusive to me and it has really affected me – I don’t feel safe in my own house.”

Mitigating, Owen Strickland, said Green was ‘adamant’ he would not hurt her and was just frustrated about access issues relating to their child.

Mr Strickland said that since Green served in Iraq he has been suffering with post traumatic stress syndrome and it is because of this he has anger issues and flashbacks.

Mr Strickland said: “The matter relating to the child is an ongoing issue and this was a trigger point.

“He is very sorry for what happened and is trying to get help with his anger.”

Magistrate, Nicky McClure, gave Green an 18-month community order which includes a supervision requirement for anger management.

He was also ordered to pay �200 court costs and a restraining order was enforced.