A DOMESTIC argument over a trivial matter escalated into a violent confrontation between a 38-year-old Whalley man and his wife, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Graham Leslie Carter brandished a kitchen knife and his wife Kerry picked up a toy cricket bat to defend herself during the row, which followed his return from the pub.

And during the incident Mrs Carter was dragged to the floor where she was kicked in the stomach and the back.

Carter, 37, of Woodfield View, Whalley, pleaded guilty to assault. He was made subject to a community rehabilitation order for 18 months with a condition that he attends the substance related offending programme.

Sue Riley, prosecuting, said Carter had taken the cricket bat off his wife before kicking and then punching her.

He left the room but then returned with the bat and used it to smash a light fitting before kicking her on the leg.

John Roberts, defending, said Carter accepted the assault but disputed any reference to the knife. He said that the couple were now reconciled and Carter accepted that if the marriage is to continue he needs to address his temper and his drinking.