Natalie Cassidy's fiance could face jail over assault

The fiance of former EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy could face jail after he admitted assaulting her.

Adam Cottrell, 31, pleaded guilty to hitting the actress with a slipper and grabbing her by the arms.

In the hearing at East Hertfordshire Magistrates' Court in Hertford, he also admitted one offence of criminal damage after he smashed a microwave, wine glasses and a candelabra at their home.

Magistrate Jackie Mountford told Cottrell he might be sent to prison.

She said a community sentence could be appropriate, be added that "we are not at all ruling out custody at this stage".

Elaine McMillan, prosecuting, told the court Cottrell twice attacked Cassidy when they were at home.

The first time was on 13 April when he put make-up on her and hit her with a slipper.

Mrs McMillan said: "The defendant lost his temper and he assaulted her by smearing her with mascara and striking her with a slipper on the upper leg."

During the second incident, which took place on 20 May, he "grabbed her by the arms and he ripped her top", she said.

Cottrell also damaged their home after Cassidy left to stay with her family.

The court heard he smashed a £200 microwave, wine glasses worth £100 and a £50 candelabra.

Mrs McMillan said a child was in the flat in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire during two of the incidents.

She added: "The aggravating features appear to be that these offences are committed when the defendant has consumed alcohol."

Cottrell, who wore a dark suit and showed no emotion during the 15-minute hearing, was granted bail on condition that he does not contact Cassidy.

He is due to be sentenced on 21 June at the same court for two counts of assault by beating and one offence of criminal damage.

A second count of criminal damage was withdrawn.

Cassidy, who was due to marry Cottrell later this year, played Sonia Jackson in BBC One soap EastEnders.

After leaving the series in 2007, she briefly rejoined in February 2010 before making a solitary appearance earlier this year.

As well as starring in reality show Natalie Cassidy: Becoming Mum on Channel 4, the 28-year-old actress has released a fitness DVD.