AN ABUSIVE partner has had his curfew lifted – so he can escape the house if he starts to feel angry.

Judge Mark Horton lifted Timothy Bird's home curfew so he could calm down if he started to feel violent.

The 49-year-old was given the curfew on February 12 as part of a package of measures designed to help him avoid inflicting more domestic violence on Sally Emery.

Judge Horton gave him six months to show he could change his ways, stay off drink and save himself from a jail term. But the case was re-opened at Gloucester Crown Court on Wednesday by the probation service because of concerns the 8pm-5am curfew could cause more trouble.

Defence solicitor Jon Holmes said: "There was difficulty last weekend when there was a discussion between the parties and his wife asked him to leave – which would have meant him breaching his curfew." Judge Horton told Bird: "I am giving you an escape clause if things get difficult in the house.

"I hope that we can make this work."

At the earlier hearing Bird, of Rushyleaze, Lydney, had admitted assaulting Sally Emery on June 11 last year, causing her actual bodily harm.