A FATHER who assaulted his girlfriend within a month of being spared jail for a high speed police chase is behind bars.

Ryan Taylor, 20, had been given 12 months in jail, suspended for two years, for dangerous driving last December.

Weeks later he was spotted at midnight pinning Stacey Lofthouse against a wall before he pushed her, causing her to fall to the floor.

Taylor, who the court was told was an alcoholic, had earlier been given the Think First programme, but had not attended because of his drink problem.

He had also recently been arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

The defendant was sent to detention for 13 months after a judge said he ruined the chance he was fortunate to have been given for "an appalling piece of driving".

Judge Beverley Lunt said she had no doubt whatsoever that the earlier judge would have warned him if he committed any more offences within two years the suspended term would be activated.

She added Taylor had not engaged with the authorities, had not done his unpaid work and had not completed the Think First programme..

Taylor, of Grasmere Street, Burnley, had admitted common assault in breach of the suspended licence for dangerous driving and had been committed for sentence by Burnley magistrates.

Sarah Statham, prosecuting, told the court several people rang the police about Taylor assaulting his partner. Taylor was arrested, accepted he had been drinking but didn't admit any part of the assault.

He had been given the suspended term after a high speed, early hours 12-mile pursuit when police tried to stop him for speeding in Loveclough.

The defendant travelled to Rawtenstall and went through seven sets of red traffic lights as people were going home from pubs. He clocked up to 60mph going through junctions, went towards Burnley,and reached 70mph in 30mph areas as he left Crawshawbooth.

Miss Statham said Taylor drove through another set of red lights, went to Hapton, back towards Padiham and was finally stopped when police set up a stinger in the road.

The defendant tried to escape and three female passengers in his car were arrested. He was finally caught and detained. Taylor had no licence or insurance.

Philip Holden, defending, said Taylor and the victim of the domestic violence were no longer in a relationship, but she had come to court to support him and he had almost daily contact with his son.

The defendant had tried to detox voluntarily and had attended the Bull Street alcohol services in Burnley.