A Belfast man threw his partner down stairs before emptying the contents of a colostomy bag over her, a court has heard.
Samuel Victor Hislop, 62, was given two years probation for an attack described by the judge as "nasty".
Hislop, a school car park attendant from Daphne Street in the city, pleaded guilty to a charge of common assault.
Belfast Magistrates' Court heard the victim had gone to bed while he continued drinking at their home on January 19 this year.
A prosecution lawyer said: "She stated the defendant became abusive towards her, threw her down the stairs and punched her on the cheek.
"The contents of a colostomy bag were thrown in her face and hair."
Police called to the scene observed a mark on the woman's cheek and lump to the back of her head.
She told officers that she had lifted a bottle to defend herself because of her fear.
During interviews Hislop claimed to have no memory of the incident.
Defence solicitor Pat Kelly acknowledged it had been a "highly unpleasant" episode.
"This is simply appalling and he (Hislop) would accept that," Mr Kelly said.
District Judge Fiona Bagnall was told the defendant abuses alcohol as part of a volatile relationship with the victim.
But according to Mr Kelly the couple intend to reconcile.
He also disclosed that Hislop works at a school in the south Belfast area.
Imposing two years probation, Mrs Bagnall said: "This is a nasty incident, but he is to be credited for entering a plea at the outset."