A FORMER snooker ace has been heavily fined after he attacked an ex-partner in a row triggered by a dispute over a laptop.

Anthony "Tony" Knowles was handed a £5,000 fine when he appeared at South Lakeland Magistrates' Court yesterday for sentencing after he was convicted at an earlier hearing of assault by beating and admitting resisting a constable in the execution of their duty.

The trial heard how the 59-year-old, a three-times finalist in the World Professional Snooker Championship in the 1980s, subjected ex partner Nazma Craig to a "prolonged assault" at the flat above his Bowness business, Churchills Wine Bar, on October 9.

Ms Craig had told the court how the Bolton-born snooker player owed her £30,000 which he invested in The White House hotel next door to the bar. She was staying at his flat as she had nowhere else to go.

The court heard an argument was sparked after Ms Craig asked for her laptop back from Knowles who had been watching TV on it.

At around 10pm Knowles grabbed the lap top from Ms Craig and threw it down before punching her arm and towering over her shouting abusive language continually, and telling her to leave the flat.

During the trial a weeping Ms Craig said he followed her to his bedroom and grabbed her round the throat causing her to bash her arm on a cabinet.

Lisa Hine, prosecuting, said when officers arrived Knowles said he did not want to be arrested and told police he wanted to get his coat and get in his car.

Officers arrested him but the businessman would not let go of the bar, adding he was going "to sue all of you".

He was restrained and denied allegations of assault.

Knowles entered a late guilty plea at the trial for resisting an officer in their duty,

In mitigation Anthony Shimmin said the whole event came as a result of a "favour" as Knowles had let Ms Craig stay.

He added: "When it came down to it, he didn't want to go to the police station.

"It was a cold night and he wanted to get his coat as he has recently recovered from throat cancer."

Knowles was fined £5,000 for assault by beating, and there was no further penalty for the second offence.

He was ordered to pay £100 compensation to Ms Craig, court costs of £620 and a £120 victim surcharge.

The court ordered the payment to be made within 56 days.