A DAD who grabbed his ex by the throat in a row over access to their son has been ordered to complete 100 hours community service.

Stuart Edwards, 47, squeezed Shelley Carter’s neck and held her against the bonnet of a car outside her home in Blaenavon, a court heard.

Newport magistrates heard the assault left her with reddening and swelling.

Prosecutor Ceri Murphy said the couple were together for a decade before splitting and had two children.

On the day of the attack, they had argued on the phone and he turned up at her property in Forge Side to see his son, Ms Murphy said.

Edwards, of Rosser Street, Wainfelin, pleaded guilty to one charge of assault by beating on February 6.

He had previously been in court for domestic violence and a driving offence, court records showed.

Steven Mock, for the defence, said that at no point was Ms Carter unable to breathe.

Mr Mock acknowledged his client had “lost his temper”, but stressed the assault had only lasted seconds and he was “sorry” for what had happened.

Magistrate Peter Wood gave Edwards 100 hours unpaid work and imposed a restraining order preventing him from contacting his former partner.

The order will also stop him from going to her home or place of work.

He was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £60 surcharge.

The order will remain in place until further notice.