AN Oswaldtwistle man who assaulted his long-term partner was given five months by a judge to behave - and proved he could.

Gavin Wilkinson, 35, was told to stay out of trouble and not to be violent towards or threaten Lorna Collins.

Wilkinson, who has a 10-year-old daughter with the victim, had not flouted a deferred sentence made after he earlier admitted breaching a restraining order, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Judge Raymond Bennett congratulated the defendant and gave him a six-month community rehabilitation order.

Wilkinson, of Somerset Close, Oswaldtwistle, is still subject to the restraining order until next January. The court was told the prosecution was not aware the defendant had done anything in violation of the conditions of the deferred sentence.

The restraining order was made by magistrates in July 2003 after Miss Collins made allegations of assault and harassment. Wilkinson breached it by throwing a plate at her and by being abusive.

Kate Blackwell, defending, said the deferment period had not been problem-free but he had reacted in an acceptable manner. It was not thought he needed help in thinking and behavioural skills.

Miss Collins told the court she and the defendant were getting on better and he had been taking their daughter out.