A COUPLE'S expolsive five year relationship came to an end when a mother-of-two suffered appalling injuries during a drunken row.

Burnley Crown Court heard Linda Dickinson had to have 23 stitches and suffered a smashed eye socket and cheek after she fell during an argument.

She had to have repair surgery and would be permanently scarred.

Her former partner, Martin Quigley, 28, who also tumbled down the stairs shortly after her, had lost his balance and deliberately grabbed her, causing her injuries. He had been reckless to start a violent bust-up on the stairs when he had had too much alcohol, the court was told.

Quigley, who has been on remand for six months, won his freedom after a judge said his behaviour deserved jail but he had been in custody a significant time.

Recorder Michael Blakey gave Quigley a two-year community rehabilitation order and said: "It may be better for you and for her that the relationship is at an end." Quigley, of Athol Street South, Burnley, admitted wounding and damage from last October.

Rod Priestley, prosecuting, told the court the defendant and victim's relationship had been volatile and violent. She had called police 22 times, had once stabbed Quigley, puncturing his lung and had earlier been rehoused with the help of charity Women's Aid.

Miss Dickinson was at a friend's house and had been drinking. Quigley was drunk and angry. They rowed after she came out of the toilet and Miss Dickinson fell down the staits and lost consciousness.

She was taken to hospital where she was found to have suffered two gashes to her forehead and fractures to her right eye socket and cheekbone.

She underwent repair surgery to put a plastic graft in her eye socket and a metal plate was inserted to hold the cheek in place.

Richard Lawron, defending, said Quigley had served the equivalent of a 12 months sentence.

The couple's relationship had been destructive, damaging and unrewarding for both of them.