A drunk man who pushed his disabled partner from her wheelchair and then killed her ten pet fish has escaped prison.
Steven Allen, described as a carer for vulnerable Tina Butler, dragged her across the room and slapped her buttocks after her pyjama bottoms fell down.
The woman’s fish died after the 36-year-old kicked Miss Butler’s fish tank and smashed it.
Allen, of Tintern Avenue in Milnsbridge, pleaded guilty to assault and criminal damage.
He also admitted to a charge of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal by causing the fish to be out of water.
Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard that the incident happened at Miss Butler’s Newsome home on Valentine’s Day.
Shamaila Qureshi, prosecuting, described Miss Butler as vulnerable as she is wheelchair bound with mobility and balance issues.
Allen, 36, suddenly became aggressive towards her and accused her of having an affair.
Mrs Qureshi said: “He’s pushed her out of her wheelchair, causing her to fall out and bang her head.
“He has then kicked the fish tank, causing it to smash. There were 10 fish in there and they came out the fish tank and died.
“He’s dragged the complainant across the room by her arms, causing her pyjama bottoms to come down.
“The defendant has then slapped her buttocks hard and slapped her face.”
Allen then took Miss Butler’s phone and threw it against the wall, causing it to smash.
He suddenly changed, becoming nice to her and helping her back into her wheelchair.
Allen said he couldn’t recall the incident due to his drinking.
Magistrates were told that he was dependant on alcohol and would consume four litres of cider daily.
Prior to the attack he had drunk vodka instead which he claimed affected him.
He claimed his last memory was watching football before waking up the following morning and being told by Miss Butler what he had done.
Bob Carr, mitigating, said that his client had been very caring with his now ex “99.9 percent of the time.”
He told the court: “He’s her carer which makes this matter worse. He has abused his position of trust.”
“I can’t mitigate the circumstances as he has absolutely no recollection of it.
“He’s distressed at causing harm to her, he’s distressed that these fish were killed.”
Deputy District Judge Tim Spruce told Allen: “Your behaviour during this incident can only be described as disgraceful.
“There’s a clear breach of trust. You assaulted in drink a vulnerable, disabled woman.”
Allen was sentenced to a 22-week jail term, suspended for 15 months.
He must complete alcohol treatment as part of a community order and pay Miss Butler £250 compensation.
Allen also has to pay £85 court costs and keep away from Miss Butler for two years as part of a restraining order.
