A FATHER-of-two assaulted his wife then demanded she make his tea, Burnley magistrates heard.

The court was told how forklift truck driver Paul Norwood, 40, was foul-mouthed and in an "absolute rage" before he slapped victim Nicola Norwood, snapping her head forwards. He then told her to make his meal and then hit her again.

Norwood, of Pheasantford Green, Burnley, admitted assault by beating, last December 14 and was bailed until February 14, for a pre-sentence report. The bench told him they were thinking of a community penalty to address his alcohol and anger management issues.

Bill Maude, prosecuting, said the Norwoods had been married 18 years and the defendant had been violent towards his wife from the start. He would drink and was subject to severe mood swings.

On the night of the offence the defendant came downstairs in a bad mood, started shouting and was abusive. Mrs Norwood tried to intervene as her husband was shouting at their daughter and the defendant told her to shut her and then slapped her two or three times around the back of the head with great force.

Mr Maude said Mrs Norwood went to wash her face as she had been crying and the defendant went upstairs and demanded:" Make my tea now."

Mrs Norwood feared she would be assaulted again and went to her mother's house, where the police were called.

Nick Cassidy, defending, said Norwood accepted in the past there had been rows and he had been bad with his nerves.

He had had been drinking lager and then went to bed for an afternoon nap. He was awoken by his son and daughter kicking at the front door. Norwood accepted that angered him and he lost his temper.

Mr Cassidy added: "He accepts when he's had a drink he's a different man. He has learned lesson. The couple are back together."