The brother of Brockworth film star Simon Pegg has appeared in court for sentence after he admitted assaulting his girlfriend after a drunken night out.

Steve Beckingham, whose father John is a prominent jazz musician in Gloucestershire, originally denied the charge of assaulting Sarah Powell, but changed his plea to guilty.

The 31-year-old, who now lives in Palace Way, Woking, Surrey, but formerly came from Stroud, appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court, and was made the subject of a supervision order for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £125 costs.

Malcolm Hayes told magistrates the victim Sarah Powell had been going out with Beckingham for nine months and their relationship had been good.

“But when Mr Beckingham was drunk, she said he was difficult and argumentative,” he went on.

“On December 19, the couple went in Lydney with friends to celebrate Miss Powell’s birthday.

“After everyone had been drinking at a pub they went to a nightclub and Beckingham became annoyed. Miss Powell recognised the signs after a steady night’s drinking, and persuaded Mr Beckingham to leave.

“They went outside and Mr Beckingham pushed her. This was spotted by a club bouncer who asked if she was all right.”

Mr Hayes said Miss Powell and a friend then went to her home and Mr Beckingham arrived.

“There was some pushing and shoving between them,” he went on. “Miss Powell found she was bleeding from the mouth. She tried to phone the police on her mobile but the defendant grabbed and broke it.

“Mr Beckingham pushed her against a table and she fell onto the floor. She alleged that he then grabbed her around the neck and pushed her against a door.”

During the struggle, Miss Powell said she bit his finger.

In a statement, Mr Beckingham denied trying to strangle Miss Powell.

“I was the one with the injuries and did not go as far as she makes out. I regret every second of it.”