A MAN who punched his girlfriend while they were at a McDonald's drive-thru has been handed a conditional discharge.

Sean Jones, of Willow Way in Broughton, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Monday.

The 39-year-old admitted that on June 4 at McDonald's in Northop he assaulted Joanne Borland by beating her.

Sarah Marsh, prosecuting, told the court that a 999 call was made by the manager of the fast food restaurant after two staff members working at the company's drive-thru windows witnessed the assault.

They saw Jones, a passenger in the vehicle, grab the arm of the driver, his partner.

He then punched her arm as the vehicle moved through the drive-thru, the court heard.

Police caught up with them a short distance away on the A55 and officers saw that Ms Borland was upset - but she did not want to make a complaint.

Melissa Griffiths, defending, said at the time of the incident Jones had been off work, having sustained an injury.

He and his partner had been to the bingo and wanted a McDonald's after.

The defendant accepted he'd consumed alcohol on the night.

Ms Worland had missed a turning and driven into a one way street, the court heard, which led Jones to get frustrated with her.

"He very much regrets what's happened," she said.

"He's lost his good name."

Nick Colbourne, chair of the magistrates, said the assault had been "an unsavoury incident," but told Jones the court had taken into account that he had a "completely unblemished record," having appeared in court for the first time on Monday.

He received a 12 month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £22 victim surcharge.