Victim Sally Downs told police she had an on-off, three-year relationship with Christopher Coupe and found his character too 'controlling'.

She was at his home watching television at 8pm on 22nd March when he asked why she didn't want a more permanent relationship with him.

Prosecutor Helen Griffiths told Chesterfield magistrates: "He suggested it was because she wanted to see other men and he said if her unborn baby died it would be her fault because she would not breast-feed."

Ms Downs was about to leave when Coupe (33) blocked her path to the door, squeezed her arm and pushed her backwards, causing her to fall onto a sofa.

She told him she would call police and he snatched her mobile phone.

She shouted for help and banged on the living room window.

Ms Downs then knelt down and complained of stomach pains – she was 17 weeks pregnant with his child at the time.

Coupe then let her leave and as she walked to her car he handed over her phone, telling her to 'stop being stupid'.

'Argument'

He later told officers she had started an argument and he stopped her leaving because he wanted them to resolve the dispute. He did not accept pushing her.

Coupe, a Royal Mail IT support worker, of Sutton Hall Road, initially denied assault but changed his plea to guilty on the day of his trial.

He received a nine-month probation supervision order and was ordered to do 100 hours unpaid work. He must also pay £100 compensation and £150 costs.

In mitigation, Denney Lau said: "They both knew the relationship was coming to an end and he wanted to speak to her about access to the child after the birth."

Mr Lau said Coupe had a son living in Wales from a previous relationship. Coupe did not see the boy and feared he would also be unable to spend time with the new baby.