A MAN has been jailed for pushing his vulnerable girlfriend down the stairs.
David Pearson, 41, admitted two offences of common assault by beating his now ex-girlfriend.
Beverley Magistrates' Court heard how the woman, who was not named, suffers from schizophrenia and the pair had a "turbulent and aggressive" relationship.
Pearson, of Clarence Road, Bridlington, initially denied the offences, which took place between March and May this year, but then pleaded guilty on Wednesday.
Andrew Vaughan, prosecuting, said Pearson pushed his girlfriend in the chest, causing her to lose her balance and fall down the stairs.
District Judge Fred Rutherford said: "He pushed her with force to the chest, causing her to fall down the stairs in the hallway.
"This caused a 2in cut and she has a scar because of it."
Pearson also admitted punching his girlfriend, which caused bruising.
Mr Rutherford said: "The matters are serious, particularly the first where you pushed her with such a force that she loses her balance.
"This is a vulnerable lady."
Defending Pearson, Ed Cunnah told the court how the young woman has since been sectioned.
He said: "These are not highlights but lowlights of a relationship with a very difficult background.
"She is a vulnerable young lady as a result of her severe mental health difficulties.
"The relationship is now at an end but he has sufficient feelings towards her to avoid it going to trial and put her through the traumatic situation of giving evidence.
"He regrets the incident but it was a turbulent, traumatic, noisy and aggressive relationship on both parts."
Sentencing Pearson to four months in prison for each offence, to be served concurrently, Judge Rutherford said: "In the past, you have shown yourself to be a man of violence.
"This has resurrected itself against a person who is vulnerable.
"I cannot get away from that fact."
Greg Akin, the chief executive of Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, said living with someone who has mental health problems can be difficult but they need understanding and patience.
He said: "People with mental health problems are more vulnerable. They find it difficult to express themselves and manage their relationships and because of that, they can become a victim.
"People with mental health issues need a better level of understanding and often, they are less able to safeguard themselves in relationships and that manifests in all kinds of ways, not just physical but emotional abuse.
"It can also be very difficult for someone living with a person with mental health issues.
"Mental health problems doesn't just affect the person, it affects their whole lives."
