A MAN beat his girlfriend in front of two nine-year-old children.

Garry Chappell, of Adelaide Drive, Colchester, admitted assaulting Jeanette Hursey on April 27.

Simon Newell, prosecuting, told the court the pair both had nine-year-old children who had witnessed the attack.

He said Chappell, 37, had visited his partner Jeanette, but left her home after they had a row.

He returned, forced open a window and hit her.

Chappell, who was representing himself, said he had a full can of Stella lager thrown at him in retaliation.

He said he had referred himself to the Open Road charity, which was supporting him in dealing with his drink problem and was still in a relationship with Hursey.

He also admitted causing damage to a window bracket in the incident.

Chappell, who has a previous conviction for domestic violence, was given unconditional bail at Colchester Magistrates’ Court and will be sentenced on August 28.