Pregnant girl was attacked in street by ex-boyfriend

Jamie Fallas, 20, also pulled the 16-year-old's hair and struck her across the face after grabbing what he thought was her mobile phone and reading her text messages.

But Leeds Crown Court heard the phone actually belonged to one of the girl's friends.

Prosecuting on Tuesday, Andrew Stranex said the pair were in a relationship last year but they split up in June.

On July 11 the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was then 18 weeks pregnant and was at a party with friends. She was not drinking alcohol and received a threatening text from Fallas, of Shirley Avenue, Birstall.

Part of the message read: "Do not dare phone me slag. If I see you I am going to smack you."

Mr Stranex said the girl became upset and got a taxi home before calling Fallas to ask him about the text message.

She was sitting on a bench crying when Fallas arrived and he took a mobile phone from her and started reading the messages.

Mr Stranex said Fallas became violent and accused her of seeing someone else.

He said: "He grabbed her by the hair and pulled her to the ground. She was then dragged on the ground asking him to release her."

Fallas continued to shout abuse at her and then struck her across the face.

The attack stopped when neighbours heard the commotion and intervened. The girl was taken to hospital where she was treated for cuts and bruises. Her unborn baby was not harmed.

Fallas was arrested and claimed his former girlfriend had been drunk and threw herself to the ground. He later pleaded guilty to assault.

The court heard how Fallas has previous convictions for burglary, being drunk and disorderly and criminal damage.

Mitigating, Christopher Smith said Fallas lacked maturity.

Mr Smith said Fallas acknowledged that his offending was alcohol-related and he was taking steps to address the problem.

Fallas was given a nine-month jail term, suspended for two years, a three-month curfew order and ordered to pay 500 court costs and 500 compensation.