A Bristol man attacked his girlfriend after she accused him of looking at naked women on the internet, a court heard.

David Morton, 25, kicked Qi Zhang on the top of the leg and repeatedly pushed her to the floor in their city centre flat.

At Bristol Magistrates' Court Morton pleaded guilty to assault by beating Miss Zhang on September 12.

Mike Hartnell, prosecuting, said: "The victim in this case was in a relationship with the defendant at the time for around 18 months.

"They had moved into a city centre flat together and had a regular disagreement over the use of the internet."

He said the couple were talking about the computer until 2am in an argument which continued until Morton became aggressive.

Mr Hartnell said: "He kicked her to the top of the leg area and said it was because she was being rude.

"He then pushed her backwards and then on to the floor, where she hit the back of her head, and told her to shut up.

"She tried to stand up but he pushed her to the floor three times."

Katy Welch, defending, said reconciliation between the parties was being considered.

She added: "He is truly ashamed of his actions. This incident was born out of frustration and was not controlling behaviour."

Morton told the court: "I would just like to say I am very, very sorry for what happened."

District Judge Simon Cooper told Morton: "You are a very intelligent young man with considerable skills and ability and this was out of character.

"In my view this is at the lower end of the community order band. That said this was a sustained assault and an abuse of trust because this woman was your girlfriend"

Morton, who is now living with his parents in Woolavington Road in Bridgwater, was given a 12-month community order with 60 hours' unpaid work and ordered to pay £85 costs.