Four men who committed crimes against their partners have been given community orders.

They appeared in the domestic violence court at Norwich Magistrates' Court yesterday. Patrick May, 27, of Birbeck Road, Lakenham, admitted one count of common assault on his partner. The court heard the offence took place on on February 20 after he thought he had been deliberately locked out.

James Landles, for May, said alcohol had been a factor and that May felt genuine remorse. May was given a 12 month community order with a six-month supervision requirement and an alcohol activity requirement.

Wayne Pritchard, 48, of Catton Grove Road, Norwich, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, resisting a constable in the execution of duty, and committing an offence while subject to a conditional discharge. The court heard he had gone to his partner's home on February 26, banged on the doors and shouted threats and abuse. Gavin Cowe, for Pritchard, said he was not proud of his behaviour and no effort was made to carry out the threats.

He was given a 24 month community order with a supervision requirement for 24 months, ordered to participate in an integrated domestic abuse programme and take part in an alcohol treatment requirement.

No action was taken with regards to the conditional discharge.

Bryan Sebastian, 56, of Bowers Avenue, Mile Cross, admitted one count of assault by beating. Laura Kenyon, prosecuting, said Sebastian had punched his wife twice in the face on February 18 after getting annoyed at a party.

Representing himself, Sebastian said: 'I am so sorry for what happened. I truly love my wife.' He was given a 12 month community order with a supervision requirement for six months and ordered to take part in an alcohol specified activity. Adrian Soanes, 50, of Rectory Lane, Great Ellingham, admitted three counts of assault by beating. The court heard on one occasion Soanes slapped his wife on the back of the head and the cheek after an argument over the Christmas dinner.

Gavin Cowe, for Soanes, said drink had been involved and Soanes was a man of good character.

He was given a community order for 12 months with a 12 month supervision requirement and ordered to take part in a alcohol specified treatment programme.

The Don't Suffer in Silence campaign highlights the problem of domestic violence. Do you have a story to tell after escaping an abusive partner? Email ben.kendall@archant.co.uk