A BUILDER whose vicious attack on his partner was caught on CCTV has been sent on a course to prevent any further domestic violence.

Daniel Cooke was filmed by a camera on a property near his home in Newton Abbot as he aimed punches and kicks at his girlfriend during an argument in the street.

He was saved from an immediate jail sentence after going into the witness box at Exeter Crown Court to tell a judge that his behaviour was out of character and that she wanted him home.

Cooke has been remanded in custody since being arrested for the assault in April and she said their young son was missing his father.

Judge Stephen Climie suspended the sentence but warned Cooke that he will be sent straight to jail if he offends again.

Cooke, aged 36, of Camomile Way, Newton Abbot, admitted causing actual bodily harm and was jailed for 14 months, suspended for two years and ordered to go on a Building Better Relationships course, do unpaid community work, and pay £425 costs.

The judge told him: “Whatever it was that prompted you to behave like this, it was fuelled in part by alcohol. That is not an excuse, if anything, it makes matters worse, as does the fact that the victim was your partner.

“That young woman has just saved you from going back into custody. Remember that for every day of the rest of your life. She has persuaded me and appears to me to be intelligent, capable and a loving mother and partner. 

Miss Beth Rickerby, prosecuting, said the attack took place in the street and was caught on film with showed one short confrontation before Cooke walked away. He returned and then attacked his partner as she backed away.

He was seen throwing punches and aiming kicks at her which left her bruised but not in need of hospital treatment.

Mr Paul Dentith, defending, said Cooke is so ashamed at his actions what he cannot bear to see what he did on the CCTV footage. He has recently started a building business with a friend which is proving highly successful.

He said Cooke’s behaviour was completely out of character and that his partner had written a letter of support which confirms this.