A Blenheim man heard a friend being assaulted after calling her just before she was attacked by her partner, when the phone was put on speaker.

In Blenheim District Court yesterday David George Bowring, 46, of Blenheim admitted charges of assaulting a female and intentional damage from the attack on July 27.

He was remanded for sentence on September 17.

Police prosecutor Mark Harris said Bowring had been in a relationship with the victim for two years and the couple had been drinking with another friend at their Blenheim home on the night of the attack.

When Bowring started getting agitated the victim went to bed. The angry Bowring began to smash household items including the television and glass cabinet and a potted plant.

He then went to the bedroom and punched the victim while she lay curled on the bed leaving her with a black eye and two small cuts to the face.

Just before he entered the room a friend phoned the victim, who put the phone on speaker, Mr Harris said. Realising what was happening the man came to the house, arriving shortly after the assault, when he demanded Bowring leave the house, he said.

Bowring denied punching the victim, saying he had thrown an ornament which may have struck her.

Police had previously attended eight domestic incidents involving Bowring. Two of those had involved the victim, Mr Harris said.

The court heard Bowring was already on intensive supervision for previous offending at the time of the attack.

- The Marlborough Express