A JEALOUS ex-partner who pushed his girlfriend after they split up was initially charged by with attempted murder by Gwent Police, a court heard.

Jonathan Barnes, 31, of Elizabeth Way, Hilltop, Ebbw Vale, has admitted a charge of assault and was sentenced to a community order involving supervision for 12 months.

An anti-social behavioural order was also imposed for two years preventing him harassing or contacting Sarah Weldon.

Prosecutor Ieuan Rees told Cardiff crown court the original charge had been attempted murder.

But shortly before the trial, Mr Rees said, two police officers in the case approached him and expressed "grave concern" about the case and the way statements had been given to them.

"They were concerned about the veracity of the complainant," Mr Rees said.

"I myself spoke to her and what she wanted, if possible, was a restraining order and that Barnes accept the relationship was at an end."

He said there had been an incident in the bathroom when Barnes had pushed her.

The victim described a violent struggle but nothing was out of place in the bathroom, said Mr Rees, and there was no sign of a struggle of any sort.

The incident occurred when Barnes went to the woman's home in Lansbury Terrace, Beaufort, Ebbw Vale.

He became distraught and aggressive and pushed the woman causing her to suffer a bruise to the foot, the court heard.

Barnes was said to have previous convictions for criminal damage and affray.

His counsel, Harry Baker said: "When he was arrested he was in custody for eight days for what was only a push."

Judge Philip Richards said there was an unfortunate disagreement between you and your former partner.

Despite you being with her for 14 years it didn't entitle you to possess her.