A DRUNKEN firefighter assaulted his girlfriend, then attacked her brother’s girlfriend, a court was told.

Robin Scott, who is based at Dover Fire Station, had been out playing snooker and drinking heavily.

When he was confronted by his partner, Victoria Skinner, he lashed out repeatedly, punching her after she said she was going to stay in a hotel.

He threw her out of the front door, and she later had to barricade herself in the bathroom.

Then her brother and his partner, Jessica Dowsey, arrived. Scott attacked Ms Dowsey, twice grabbing her hair and pulling her along the floor. He slammed a door on her arm.

Scott, 35, from River, near Dover, appeared at Canterbury Crown Court where he admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and common assault last December.

He was ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work, attend an integrated domestic abuse programme, and pay Ms Dowsey £300 compensation and £400 costs. He will be supervised for 18 months.

Tanya Robinson, for Scott, said he was genuinely remorseful and the couple were back together.

"He saw a side to himself he never wants to see again. Doubtless drink played a part," she said.

Sentencing Scott, Judge Michael O’Sullivan said his actions were violent and cowardly and could have caused far greater injuries.

He accepted Scott was ashamed of himself, had sought to address his drinking and would get help. He read several references and said he would take an exceptional course which would be in everyone’s interests. The judge told Scott: "You do a vital job and from time to time will have to put your life at risk."

Scott will also face a fire service disciplinary hearing.