A MAN who assaulted his ex-partner had split from her because of his anger issues, a court heard.

Billy Cheeseman, 19, was helping her decorate when he lashed out at her, Lincoln Magistrates' Court heard.

Marie Stace, prosecuting, said she asked Cheeseman to "stop messing around". He dabbed her with paint and she retaliated dabbing him back, the court heard.

Cheeseman, of Adelaide Close, Gainsborough, then grabbed her head and kneed her in the ribs.

The court heard that earlier this year, he had damaged a bathroom door at his ex's home.

Cheeseman told police he had anger management issues and had started to attend sessions. He added his doctor had said he may be suffering from adult ADHD.

Tony Cunningham, mitigating, said: "He recognises he has a problem with anger and violence. He tells me he ended it because he was getting more violent towards her and said he did not want to hurt her."

The case was adjourned for probation reports and Cheeseman was released on conditional bail.