Judge tells Portsmouth man: stop sponging off the state

A MAN who headbutted his partner has been told: stop sponging off the state.

Luke Bonner, 24, admitted grabbing his girlfriend by the throat, headbutting her once and banging her head against the wall.

He attacked her at her home in St Mary’s Road, Fratton, Portsmouth on June 5.

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He also damaged a bathroom window at the home on the same day.

District judge Anthony Callaway handed Bonner, of Ship Leopard Street, Portsea, a 12-month community order with 25 days of rehabilitation activities.

Unemployed Bonner said he had not had a job for two years.

Asked by the judge if there was anything wrong with him he said: ‘Mental health issues.’

The judge replied: ‘I think it’s about time you got a job rather than sponging off the state.’

Bonner pleaded guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court.

Lian Webster-Martin, for Bonner, said he was planning to reconcile with his partner.