A man has admitted to threatening to kill his partner and writing obscenities about her over the walls of her flat during a heated argument.

Adrian O’Neil, 24, of Orchard Close, Warminster, pleaded guilty to charges of assault and criminal damage after an incident with his partner Lisa Hollern at her flat in Alcock Crescent, Warminster, on May 6.

The court heard how O’Neil had lost his job at Warminster Maltings in Pound Street, Warminster, in April and planned to move to London with his partner and their four-month-old daughter to start a new job.

However Miss Hollern, who had been suffering from post-natal depression, decided not to go and an argument ensued. Kate Blackmore, prosecuting, told the court: “Miss Hollern said they had been arguing all day over silly things and it ended up in him grabbing her around the throat and hitting her around the face. He then threatened to kill her.

“In interview Mr O’Neil admitted to grabbing Miss Hollern’s neck and admitted to threatening to kill her, although he said he wouldn’t have carried it out.

“He also admitted to writing obscenities on the walls.”

James Lester, defending, said his client regretted the incident: “He (O’Neil) has asked me to express to the court just how ashamed he is of his actions on that day. The defendant has had an alcohol problem but he has stopped drinking and has learned his lesson from that.

“He lost his job in April at Warminster Maltings and planned to move to London with his partner and four-month-old daughter to start a new job.

“He started drinking again because, having made these plans, the complainant decided she didn’t want to go.

“There were accusations of infidelity that were refused. He wanted to leave and was packing his bags when the incidents occurred.

“The defendant claims that it was an argument that had gone too far.

“After the incident he thought he would never see his daughter again and hopes some reconciliation can be achieved.”

O’Neil pleaded guilty to both charges and was released on bail with one condition, not to go to Miss Hollern’s address, while a pre-sentence report is prepared.

He is due back at Chippenham Magistrates Court on June 3.