THE former deputy chairman of the Beverley and Holderness Conservatives has been ordered to attend a domestic violence course after assaulting his girlfriend.

Owen Danter was found guilty of assaulting Alison Foster, 26, in the cottage they shared in Beswick, near Beverley, at a trial at the town's magistrates' court.

The 31-year-old, who stood as a North Holderness ward candidate in the local elections in 2007, was sentenced to a 24-month community order and told to attend the Probation Service's Integrated Domestic Violence Programme.

Danter, the branch manager at the Alliance & Leicester in Driffield, is also a former joint chairman of Beverley and District Chamber of Trade.

He resigned from his position with the Conservatives after he was charged with assault.

The conviction could spell the end of his political aspirations.

The incident happened at Forge Cottage, Beswick, on September 6 last year.

Miss Foster was said to be so frightened she had to flee the house and hide in fields until a friend arrived to lead her to safety.

She suffered bruising in the assault..

Simon Reevell, chairman of the Beverley and Holderness Conservatives, said: "Having been charged, Owen did the right thing in resigning his position as deputy chairman and when he was convicted, did the right thing in resigning from the party altogether.

"I am sorry to have lost Owen in these circumstances, but he did the right thing resigning.

"I was surprised to hear this allegation had been brought, I'd worked with him as my deputy for more than two years and I thought the allegation seemed out of character."

The couple's two-year relationship ended after the assault.

Miss Foster, who now lives in Blacktoft, requested a restraining order be made against Danter, however this was refused by the judge during sentencing on Wednesday.

Andrew Stirling, prosecuting, said: "Miss Foster has requested a restraining order for her protection.

"She is fearful the defendant may approach her and has specifically asked that a restraining order be made.

"She is worried about deliberate attempts to contact her."

Adam Birkby, defending, said the restraining order would severely restrict Danter's social life because the couple mix in the same circles, attending the same functions.

Mr Birkby said: "This was an offence wholly out of character. This was something that happened one time and one time only.

"His conviction will mean loss of character and so much more than that in terms of his political aspirations."

Danter said: "I will be discussing this with my legal team, looking at my options for appeal, therefore I cannot comment further at this stage."

To report a case of domestic violence, call police on 0845 6060222. In an emergency, call 999. Alternatively, people who experience domestic violence can call Women's Aid on 0808 2000247.