A 22-YEAR-OLD man has been ordered to attend the Caledonian Men’s Programme after a bust-up with his partner.

Luca Fargnoli pleaded guilty to assaulting the woman to her injury during the early hours of August 28.

Fiscal Fiona Hamilton told Selkirk Sheriff Court how the couple had what could be described as a “volatile relationship” for a year-and-a-half.

She said how the woman had been out drinking in Galashiels but then got a taxi to the accused’s address in Melrose.

Ms Hamilton said: “At about 20 to five in the morning they started to argue with him punching her on the arms and legs and she tried to push him off.”

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The woman managed to dial 999 from a mobile phone with witnesses in the nearby Station Hotel hearing that she was in distress.

The fiscal added: “She left the property in her bare feet. She had injuries including swelling to the chest.”

Defence lawyer Ross Dow accepted it was a “toxic relationship” and his client had also been on the receiving end in the past.

He said Fargnoli had now moved to Glasgow where he was the director of a home improvements business.

A Community Pay Back order was imposed as an alternative to custody with supervision for two years and a stipulation he must attend the Caledonian Men’s Programme.