A DEPRESSED boyfriend smashed up his girlfriend's flat after they argued about whether it was time to go to bed.

Joby Dean Hodnett, 22, got so angry that he attacked Jemma Doughty and then punched a hole in a wall and smashed a door clean in two, magistrates sitting in Carlisle heard.

In court, Hodnett, of Waver Court, Silloth, admitted criminal damage and a common assault.

Prosecutor Peter Kelly told the court how the prosecution would go ahead despite the victim Miss Doughty refusing to make any formal complaint.

This was because the couple wished to continue their relationship.

Mr Kelly described how the couple had been out drinking from 7pm and then returned to the flat in Silloth where they lived together.

At around 1am, after they drank more alcohol, she decided it was time to go to bed but he disagreed.

"An argument ensued," said Mr Kelly.

It became violent as Hodnett punched a fridge door, and then he punched a wall so hard that he left a hole in it.

The argument then escalated, with Hodnett pushing Miss Doughty against a door and causing her to fall.

At one point he grabbed her around her neck with both hands, and decided to "strangle her a bit", though he later told police he did not squeeze her very hard and did not intend to harm her.

He also trampled on a door, leaving it broken in two, said Mr Kelly.

Geoff Clapp, for Hodnett, said his client wished to apologise for his behaviour.

The lawyer said that Hodnett had already taken steps to address his problems, making an appointment with the Unity drug and acohol service in Carlisle.

"He is very disappointed in himself," said Mr Clapp, saying that his client became upset when Miss Doughty hit him on the head and grabbed his throat.

He smashed up the flat to avoid a confrontation with her, he said.

Magistrates imposed #175 fine for each offence, with #85 costs and a #30 victim surcharge.