A MAN has been given a suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of assaulting a woman.

James Thomas Anderton (34), of Brierley Gardens, Otterburn, had denied assaulting the woman at his home address on March 4 of last year.

However, at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court on December 23, he was found guilty after a trial.

He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months.

A 12-month restraining order was also imposed which prevented Anderton contacting the victim either directly or indirectly or going to any address he believed her to be at.

He was also ordered to pay compensation of £100, a victim surcharge of £122 and court costs of £350.