A 53-year-old Darwen woman fled in the middle of the night with her 11-year-old grandson after being assaulted by her partner.
Blackburn magistrates heard that the woman went to a neighbour's to call the police after being slapped by Joseph Mullen because she had a cold and was snuffling in bed.
Mullen, 53, of Birch Hall Avenue, Darwen, was bailed for reports after admitting assaulting Joyce Hindle.
Clare Knight, defending, said the couple were in a long-term relationship which her client hoped would resume after the court case.
"He accepts he shouldn't have slapped her, especially in front of the child," she added.
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