Thug thumped his ex and threatened he would get people to 'do her in' in row over Â£30

The case was heard at Teesside Crown Court.

Keith Robinson claimed the woman owed him the money following the break up of their seven-year relationship.

Robinson told the woman he would get other people to 'do her in' if she reported him to the police, Teesside Magistrates' Court heard.

"The victim says she is living in fear," said Emma Cruickshank, prosecuting.

"The incident has left her wary when going out.

"She was assaulted while walking near the cemetery in Hartlepool while on the way to visit someone.

"The defendant came towards her, and having spotted him, she changed to a different path.

"As she walked away from him, she felt a blow to the back of her head.

"She was threatened with more violence if she went to the police."

Ms Cruickshank said the relationship between the couple had been volatile.

"They has been together for seven years," she add. "The relationship was on and off for the last three years.

"The victim says she had been the subject of domestic violence several times in the past.

"Reports were made to the police, but she always withdrew them when the defendant made her feel sorry for him."

Robinson, 53, of Elliott Street, Hartlepool, admitted assault on April 14.

He has 26 previous convictions, including battery of the same victim.

The court heard police received 27 reports of domestic violence between the couple since 2011, including allegations of violence from both parties.

Alison Banks, defending, said: "Mr Robinson says this lady owes him some money.

"Thirty pounds may not sound a lot, but it is a great deal of money to him.

"She refused to pay, and he accepts he hit her.

"As regards the allegations of previous incidents of domestic violence, none were pursued which means Mr Robinson must be sentenced for this single offence.

"Mr Robinson has had difficulties in his life, and he is currently on medication for depression."

Robinson was sentenced to a community order of 18 months, 15 rehabilitation activity days, and ordered to pay £165 in fines, costs, and compensation.