A TOWN councillor has admitted fracturing the wrist and thumb of his partner during a heated row.

Edward Timothy Colfox pleaded guilty before magistrates to assaulting his girlfriend Claire Winterbottom, occasioning her actual bodily harm.

Colfox, 42, sits on Bridport Town Council and works as a supply teacher.

Weymouth Magistrates’ Court heard that Colfox, of Venn Lane, Chideock, had an argument with Miss Winterbottom on October 3 close to his home after the couple returned from a weekend in Sussex.

Prosecutor Andrew Newman said: “Miss Winterbottom made a comment about the time which resulted in Mr Colfox losing his temper.

“He stopped the car and abandoned it in the middle of the lane.”

Mr Newman said Colfox later returned to the car to move it and attempted to pull Miss Winterbottom out of the vehicle.

He said: “Mr Colfox spat in her face and was shouting at her.

“He grabbed her mobile phone and threw it on to the grass.

“Miss Winterbottom was angry and reached for Mr Colfox’s laptop and as she did, he grabbed her hand.

“He used his other hand to force her head towards the dashboard.”

The court heard that Colfox went inside and left Miss Winterbottom in the car where she remained for four and a half hours.

He apologised to Miss Winterbottom and took her to hospital, Mr Newman said.

He added: “Miss Winterbottom was unable to use her left hand and her thumb was swelling up.”

She was treated at Bridport Community Hospital for fractures to her left thumb and her wrist, the court heard.

Miss Winterbottom also suffered bruising to her neck, Mr Newman said.

In a victim impact statement, Miss Winterbottom said she was ‘devastated’ by the incident and felt ‘physically sick’.

In mitigation, Ian Brazier said the attack could have an effect on Mr Colfox’s ability to get work as a supply teacher and may impact on his role as a town councillor.

He added: “Mr Colfox went through a difficult divorce a few years ago and he’s been busy rebuilding his life and relationship with his children.

“Mr Colfox has been honest with Miss Winterbottom about the fact that he knows he has a bit of a temper sometimes.”

Mr Brazier said Colfox, who has no previous convictions, accepts that he went ‘too far’ when he took hold of Miss Winterbottom’s hands.

“The actual injury was nasty. Mr Colfox should have controlled himself more.

“As a result of the injuries Miss Winterbottom is not able to drive,” he said.

Magistrates ordered a pre-sentence report for Colfox.

He was released on unconditional bail to return to Weymouth Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on January 10.