A THUG who smashed plates and assaulted a woman has been put under a restraining order.

Ben Pearson was found guilty of attacking Tina Mortimer at her home in Brighton when he appeared in court this week.

The 27-year-old admitted causing criminal damage by smashing her crockery during the attack on July 25 this year.

At Brighton Magistrates' Court he was put under a restraining order which prevents him from contacting Tina Mortimer, either directly or indirectly.

It also prevents him from visiting her home address.

Pearson, of Brighton Road in Worthing, was ordered to pay a £200 fine and a £30 victim surcharge for the assault by beating.

He must also pay £300 to the Crown Prosecution Service to pay for the court costs.

There was no separate penalty imposed for criminal damage.

The total of £530 will be taken from his benefits.