A YOUNG woman whose boyfriend had to have stitches in his face after she threw a wine glass at him has been given 100 hours community punishment.Rebecca Merritt, 26, of Cavendish Street, Ipswich, was at the town's crown court after admitting one charge of causing actual bodily harm.

A YOUNG woman whose boyfriend had to have stitches in his face after she threw a wine glass at him has been given 100 hours community punishment.

Rebecca Merritt, 26, of Cavendish Street, Ipswich, was at the town's crown court after admitting one charge of causing actual bodily harm.

The court heard how on December 31 last year she had been drinking alcohol with her partner, Lawrence Ruffles.

Jan Brewer, prosecuting, said the couples' relationship had a history of violence and there was an indication that Merritt had been subject to some domestic violence.

On this occasion the pair had a row earlier in the day regarding financial matters and the fact they could not afford to go out drinking, she said.

However they decided to go out and consumed more alcohol, which led to another argument and Merritt “pushing her glass towards Mr Ruffles.

Ms Brewer said a witness described seeing the defendant drink from her wine glass and then make a quick movement thrusting it towards her boyfriend in an “up and over” motion.

Mr Ruffles received various cuts to his face and had to have a number of stitches.

In mitigation, the court heard how the couple were still together and Mr Ruffles felt he had a future with the defendant, who he dearly loved.