A MAN who slapped his ex-girlfriend across the face while she was queuing outside a nightclub has admitted assault.

Worcester Magistrates Court heard Robert Russell, 34, was angry because she was not at home looking after their son.

Liam Finch, prosecuting, said Russell, of Cannon Street, Worcester, had recently split from Miss Cook following a four-year relationship.

Mr Finch said Miss Cook was out with a group of friends and waiting to go in to a nightclub when Russell walked past.

He said: "He appears to have taken exception to the fact that she was out and not at home where she should be looking after their son.

"He approached her in the queue and in her words, after the initial contact, 'slapped me hard on the left side of my face with his right hand'."

Mr Finch said Miss Cook was left with a sore, reddened cheek and one of her earrings was ripped out.

Mark Sheward, defending, said Russell admitted the assault but could not remember hitting her.

He said following the break-up, Russell still saw his son but the couple had argued because Miss Cook did not think he saw him enough.

He added: "A few days after that discussion he then sees his former partner stood outside a nightclub. He is rather incensed by that."

The court heard Miss Cook had written a letter saying she and Russell were now on good terms and she did not want him severely punished.

Russell will have to wait until Monday, February 11, for sentencing after probation reports were ordered.