Pennine magistrates heard how alcoholic James Gallacher (42) attacked Christine Johnson twice in one day and smashed her mobile phone in the "nasty" incident. She was said to be highly distressed at the time, but the pair were now reunited, as had previously happened.

Gallacher, of Rook Street, Nelson, admitted two counts of assault by beating and one of damage, on May 27th. He was given an 18-month community order with supervision. The Bench chairman told him: "There are repeated problems arising from alcohol. You have got to sort it out."

Mrs Christiana Buchanan (prosecuting) told the court the defendant and victim had had a two-year relationship which had been tempestuous and he had been convicted of violence towards her in the past.

The pair had rowed when the victim was texting her daughter while doing the household chores and, she thought, Gallacher was jealous. The defendant, who had been in bed, threatened her before grabbing her by the throat and pushing her. He then followed her upstairs, dragged her by the hair, threw her onto the bed and assaulted her again, leaving her with injuries to her throat and face.

Mrs Buchanan said Gallacher claimed his partner had been worried about a psychiatric appointment and "things kicked off". He said he lost his temper because she got a text message from her daughter. and admitted breaking the phone and dragging the victim into the bedroom.

The prosecutor added: "The defendant has a previous conviction for assault on the same victim. There is a history of assault, reports to the police and then the parties reconciling."

Nick Cassidy (defending) said Gallacher accepted both he and his partner had alcohol problems. He acknowledged his behaviour was inappropriate and was truly remorseful.

The solicitor, who added the pair were on benefits, went on: "He knows he has put himself in a very serious position by committing these offences."