A DRUNKEN man who assaulted his partner was given a two-year conditional discharge.

Burnley magistrates heard how Thomas Frederick Spencer's victim wanted him to get help controlling his temper, and to stop him self-harming.

Spencer, 22, of Bank Street, Barnoldswick, admitted assault by beating and destroying or damaging property, on May 21.

The bench told him he appeared to have a problem when he had been drinking. They added they had a responsibilty to Spencer's partner, but she was concerned about his welfare. The chairman continued: "It's down to you and you have got her to thank for it." The defendant must also pay £312 compensation and £50 costs. The court was told he had a previous conviction for assaulting a former partner.

Duncan Nightingale, defending, said the victim "struggled" to make the complaint and did not want any harm to come to Spencer. She wanted to make sure he got help.

The defendant had the "irrational " belief his girlfriend was seeing somebody else. He threw sweets around in the car and then put his fist on her cheek. There was no punch. He then kicked the back door.