AN EBBW Vale man was given a suspended sentence after admitting assaulting his ex-partner’s new boyfriend and driving a car at him.

Kevin Bowers, 39, of Beaufort Street, appeared at Newport Crown Court for sentencing onMonday, having previously pleaded guilty to assaulting Andrew Price, causing him actual bodily harm, and two counts of dangerous driving.

Prosecutor Gareth James said Bowers was in a 13-year relationship with Angela Dunnington, and when they split up Miss Dunnington started seeing Mr Price.

Mr James said Mr Price was driving along Briery Hill, Ebbw Vale, on October 21 last year, when a car came towards him. Mr Price braked and swerved and saw Bowers behind the wheel, staring at him.

The court heard Mr Price drove off, but when he was in Rassau the defendant overtook and stopped diagonally in front of the car.

Mr James said Mr Price and Ms Dunnington were at Mr Price’s flat in Ebbw Vale the next day when Bowers kicked the door open and started punching Mr Price in the head and upper body.

Mr James said Mr Price managed to get out of the flat, but Bowers followed in Ms Dunnington’s car. The court heard Bowers drove at Mr Price twice.

Representing Bowers, Meirion Davies said Bowers suffered from anxiety and a depressive disorder.

Judge Rhys Rowlands gave Bowers an eightmonth sentence, suspended for two years, and made him the subject of a 12-month supervision order and a fiveyear restraining order.

He was also ordered to carry out 100 hours’ unpaid work and pay £75 towards court costs.