An alcoholic poked his former partner in the eye after a drunken row with a taxi driver who had locked him and his children in the vehicle.

The bizarre chain of events landed Raymond Ashford, of Boundary Way, Watford, in court on an assault charge.

Ashford had taken his children out bowling for the day and was returning them to their mother, when the incident occurred, Dacorum Magistrates Court heard on Friday.

The 39-year-old began rowing with the driver - when they arrived at Fairfield Avenue - who locked his passengers in with the children becoming distressed.

When Kelly Matthews came out to collect her children and pay for the cab she argued with Ashford, who poked her in the eye.

The police were called the next day and Ashford was interviewed a couple of weeks later. In interview he said he could not remember what happened yesterday let alone two weeks ago.

He admitted rowing with the taxi driver, as he always does because they “rob you” but denied deliberately assaulting his former partner.

The magistrates were played a recording of Ashford from Ms Matthew’s phone saying it was pointless going to court on her birthday, but much of Ashford’s ramblings were of little use to the bench, said chairman Michele Reeves.

Ashford, who has no previous convictions for violence, was found guilty of assault by beating on a reckless basis.

Sentencing was adjourned until Thursday, November 20 for reports.