A MAN who attacked his ex-girlfriend, leaving her nose pouring with blood, has won his freedom.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Kelvin McWilliams, 22, and Charlotte Haworth had fallen out after she earlier announced she was going to Ibiza and he had forbidden her to go.

McWilliams, who had been in custody for two months, was given a 12-month community rehabilitation order by Judge David Pirie -- even though he said at first he thought he would have no course other than custody.

The defendant, of Augusta Street, Accrington, had earlier admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and possessing cannabis. He must also attend the domestic violence prevention programme and pay £100 compensation and £91 costs.

David Temkin, prosecuting, said in the early hours in September the defendant met up with Miss Haworth in Church Street, Accrington. They had recently spilt up and had been out drinking separately.

McWilliams approached his ex-partner, became abusive and put his face up against hers. He then head-butted her once, causing swelling and bruising and making her nose bleed.

Police attended and McWilliams was being aggressive. He was arrested and taken to Accrington police station.

Blood was pouring from the complainant's nose. McWilliams was searched and found to have cannabis on him.

Richard Hunt, defending, said McWilliams had a most disappointing and distressing catalogue of criminal convictions which showed a violent tendency, usually coupled with drink.

He knew he could lead a perfectly responsible life, but in times of stress, he turned to alcohol.

The defendant had been involved with drink since he was 11 and with cannabis from the age of nine.

Mr Hunt said McWilliams had been going out with the victim for some time but she had wanted to go to Ibiza on holiday. The defendant had said he wouldn't let her go and that was when they separated.

The date of the assault was the first time they had met each other since then, each had been drinking and they stood forehead to forehead. Miss Haworth was shouting at McWilliams and he was telling her what he thought of her.

McWilliams had been on remand at Preston Prison for two months, his first time in an adult jail. He had a job on offer and his family had rallied round him.

Mr Hunt added it was hoped that at the age of 22, having seen the inside of an adult prison, he would now be committed to sorting his problems out with a view to growing up.

The defendant also planned to keep away from the courts and lead a law-abiding life.