A row about recovering DJ equipment escalated into assault when a Pembroke Dock man returned home to find his ex-partner waiting for him.

Melanie Isobel Bianchy, of Cross Park, Pennar, was due to stand trial for assault at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Wednesday, but changed her plea to guilty at the start of the hearing.

The court heard that Bianchy, 53, scratched her former partner Stephen Webb’s neck when she tried to grab him around the neck in Pembroke Dock on December 14.

Abul Hussain, prosecuting, told the bench Mr Webb returned home with his current partner to find Bianchy waiting for him. She attempted to follow them inside but was refused entry and grabbed at him.

Mr Webb managed to close the door and contacted the police. Bianchy left the scene immediately.

Stuart John, defending, told the court that there had not been any contact between the two parties since the incident, and the two year relationship had ended in September.

“She is now in a new relationship as is the complainant. All parties have moved on.

“There was a comparatively minor abrasion of the skin.”

He added that there had been a ‘degree of acrimony’ following the breakdown of the relationship. She had been seeking to get her son’s DJ equipment returned when the incident occurred, and felt the complainant was being ‘obstructive’.

“There was an argument between the two parties, but she now accepts that momentarily she lost control and caused injury.”

Magistrates imposed a two year conditional discharge and ordered Bianchy to pay £50 compensation to Mr Webb, plus £400 costs and a £20 surcharge.

The bench granted a two year restraining order prohibiting Bianchy from contacting Mr Webb.