Unpaid work for defendant Banana over attack on partner Miss Orange

Care worker Themba Banana, 29, of Lovat Road, Deepdale, Preston, was arrested after the incident at the home he previously shared with his girlfriend, Sarah Orange, Blackburn Magistrates’ were told.

Police attended the couple’s address on Melville Drive, Blackburn, on October 23 at around 2.52pm after receiving a call.

Neither Mr Banana or Miss Orange spoke to operators but could be heard arguing in the background.

A man then said they “did not need the police” and put the phone down.

Initially officers told Banana to leave the address until he had sobered up, but at 4.55pm the victim called the police to report Banana had smashed up their flat and thrown a plastic plant at her, causing her a scratch to her stomach.

The operator heard Banana using offensive and racist language towards her.

He also pushed the TV over causing it to smash and yanked the curtains off the wall.

The bench imposed a 12 month community order with supervision, 100 hours unpaid work and ordered him to attend a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement programme for 25 days after he admitted assault.

It would have been 20 days, but magistrates increased the period due to the racist element.

Banana must also pay Miss Orange £125 compensation, a further £50 for the TV, as well as an £85 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.