A jealous Tenby man spat at his partner during an argument over her engagement ring.

John Oscar Mochan, of Cresswell Street, pleaded guilty to assault when he appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Wednesday, August 15.

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, prosecuting, said Mochan’s on/off partner of two years told police he spat at her in the street during an argument in Tenby on July 11.

The court heard that he had become more jealous and possessive following the birth of the couple’s daughter, and disliked her talking to other men.

Mochan tipped the contents of the woman’s handbag onto the pavement after the pair left the pub, and grabbed her clothes and spat at her when they returned home.

The spit landed on her face, clothes and arm, and Mochan, 46, apologised as he followed her into the house.

Mochan, who was of previous clean character, admitted he had issues with jealousy and that spat p his girlfriend when arrested, but denied spitting in her face.

Mike Kelleher, defending, told the court that Mochan suffered with anxiety, and the couple had argued on the night in question because she was not wearing her engagement ring, which he looked for in her handbag.

Mochan sent a note to the victim the following day apologising: “That’s not me, I’m better than that. I was not brought up to spit at ladies.”

Mr Kelleher added that Mochan immediately expressed remorse, and the couple may get back together.

Magistrates imposed a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered Mochan to pay £85 costs and a £20 surcharge.