A DRUNKEN father of two attacked his girlfriend after complaining she had not contacted him all day.

Burnley Magistrates heard that John Cairns,40, hit Laura Jackson, called her a bitch and pushed her, causing her to fall on an electric heater. He then fell asleep.

Cairns, of Fir Street, Nelson, admitted assault by beating and was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £100 compensation.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said around midnight on February 10, the defendant arrived home and followed the victim into the living room.

The defendant, who was said to drink every day, shouted at his partner for not contacting him and she went into the bedroom.

Cairns then struck her with his fists and pushed her before falling asleep. Miss Jackson was left dazed and suffering bruises and cuts.

The victim was not prepared to put up with Cairns any longer and the relationship was at an end.

Mr Robinson said when the defendant was interviewed, he said he drank about six pints of beer and then another four before coming home. He admitted he had "lost it" and knew he had punched his then girlfriend although he didn't remember how many times.

John Nuttall, defending, said Cairns would describe his actions as "20 seconds of madness" which he deeply regretted.

He and the victim had been in a relationship for about 12 months but about four weeks ago it began to break down and there were rows.

Mr Nuttall said after the assault, the defendant and victim spent the night together.