A Worthing man grabbed his ex-partner by the hair and threatened her with a sword, a court heard.

David Chiswell, 37, was found lying on the woman's sofa at her home just before violence flared.

He pleaded guilty at Worthing Magistrates Court yesterday to causing fear of violence.

Susan Lumbard, prosecuting, said Lorraine Duvall had separated from Chiswell after a 15-year relationship and had gone out with friends on January 18.

She arrived at her home in Alberta Walk, Worthing, at 1.30am the next day and discovered a number of items were broken on the floor and Chiswell was slumped on the couch.

Miss Lumbard said: "He had been drinking. He approached her, pulled her hair and pulled her to the floor, causing bruising to the right side of her head.

"She went to the back door of the premises and asked the defendant what he had done.

"She was wanting to leave but he lunged towards her holding a large sword-type implement and waved it at her in a threatening manner."

Police arrived and Miss Duvall was placed in a police car for safety. Chiswell, who had left through the back door, was later arrested.

He denied using the decorative sword during the incident.

District Judge Paul Tain gave Chiswell, of Chester Avenue, Worthing, a 100-hour community punishment order and made him pay £50 costs.

Other charges of criminal damage and affray were dropped.