A CARLISLE man has been banned from contacting his partner amid allegations of “escalating” domestic violence.

Joseph Brown, 41, who was not at the city’s Rickergate court hearing when the order was granted against him, could now be arrested and prosecuted if he has any contact whatsoever with the woman.

A police officer told magistrates that the defendant had been in a relationship with the woman involved for five months and the most recent report, on November 30, involved allegations of them fighting at her address.

“Despite bail conditions, they both arrived there under the influence of alcohol,” the officer told magistrates. Brown had also taken drugs, said the officer.

The couple had argued because Brown suspected he had been cheated on; he had “tripped her up” and then sat on her, the court heard. When she tried to leave, he threw a bottle, which smashed against a wall.

“She does not believe it was meant to hit her,” continued the officer.

Brown told police that he had not made any threats.

The woman did not wish to make a statement in support of the police investigation. Over the last five months, the court heard, there had been seven reported “safeguarding” incidents involving the couple.

The woman was the alleged victim in six of those incidents and Brown the alleged victim in one. There had been allegations of violence made by both Brown and the woman, the court heard.

The officer added that there appeared to have been an escalation in alleged incidents.

Magistrates can only approve domestic violence protection orders when they conclude that, on the balance of probabilities, the protected party has been subjected to violence or the threat of violence.

They approved the order against Brown, whose address was given as John Street, Shaddongate, for 28 days. The idea of such orders it to give the parties "breathing space" so they can seek support and guidance.