CHRISTOPHER John McManamon reacted badly when he intercepted a love letter sent from prison to his ex-girlfriend, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that McManamon launched a furious attack on Karina McWilliams, repeatedly banging her head and face against the wall.

He then picked up a craft knife and said: "Shall we give him something to look at when he comes out of prison?"

McManamon, 27, of Berry Lane, Longridge, pleaded guilty to assaulting Miss McWilliams causing her actual bodily harm. The magistrates ordered pre-sentence reports and McManamon was remanded on bail.

Neil White, prosecuting, said McManamon and Miss McWilliams had been a couple until January of last year when she finished the relationship because he assaulted her.

They had remained friends and the night before the incident he had stayed at her house, along with a number of other people. In the morning Miss McWilliams had gone to a shop and while she was out the postman delivered a letter from her new boyfriend, who was serving a prison sentence.

"McManamon read that letter and when she returned he was very angry," said Mr White. He told the court how McManamon hit her in the face before shutting them both in a bedroom.

He held her by the throat and banged her head against the wall screaming about the letter. She managed to escape downstairs but McManamon followed and began smashing ornaments and furniture before picking up the knife.

She managed to ring the police when he left the room and left the phone "live" so the operator could listen as he continued the attack until officers arrived.

Mr White said: "Miss McWilliams suffered numerous bumps and bruises to her face and head and a cut in her forehead that required stitching."