Claire Holland: Ex-partner 'assaulted her' prior to her death

Claire Holland disappeared after leaving a Seamus O'Donnell pub on St Nicholas St in Bristol on 6 June 2012

A man accused of murdering his ex-partner allegedly assaulted her two years prior to her death, a court has heard.

Darren Osment, 41, is accused of killing Claire Holland, 32, hours after she was seen leaving a pub in June 2012.

He has pleaded not guilty to her murder between 5 June and 8 June.

Giving evidence at Bristol Crown Court, PC James Nolan said he arrested Mr Osment on suspicion of assault in 2010.

PC Nolan was called to a house at Bradley Stoke at 06:20 GMT on 20 November 2010.

"Claire alleged she had been assaulted, that she was pushed down the stairs and lost consciousness for a short time," he told court.

"She had a lump on her forehead about the size of a two pence piece on the left hand side.

"She had reddening to her face, her speech was slurred and her eyes were glazed.

"She had red on her lips from red wine, she appeared intoxicated," he said.

PC Nolan told the court he went downstairs to speak to Mr Osment, who initially became hostile before calming down.

He said he noticed Mr Osment had burn marks on the knuckles of his left hand.

Five minutes later, he said he arrested Mr Osment on suspicion of assault and cautioned him.

"He was verbally aggressive and angry out of frustration but compliant, and we took him to Staple Hill to be detained," PC Nolan said.

The court heard that no further action was taken after the police attended and no statement was taken from Mr Osment or Ms Holland.

'Happy and positive'

The court also heard from two other witnesses, her sister Rachel Holland; and Hannah Volker, a foster carer for the couple's child.

Ms Holland, 27, said her sister sounded "happy and positive" on the last phone call she had with her.

"She said she was in Seamus O'Donnell's pub, and that she was going to meet up with Mr Osment to discuss the foster placement of their son."

Shortly after the incident PC Nolan attended, the child was placed in foster care.

Hannah Volker, who lived in Yate, took on the couple's child in November 2010.

"He was a small baby. We had a few medical appointments as we couldn't get any weight on him.

"We were told by Mr Osment that Claire had drunk during her pregnancy, and the geneticist said he had symptoms of foetal alcohol syndrome."

Mr Osment's trial, due to last seven weeks, continues.