A 22-YEAR-OLD man assaulted his partner three times in the space of three days as their relationship fell apart.

Blackburn magistrates heard Dexter John O'Connell's behaviour towards his partner deteriorated after the death of his support dog called Gypsy.

O'Connell, of Southfield Street, Nelson, pleaded guilty to three charges of assaulting Saranne Walmsley. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement.

Making him subject to the order the chairman of the magistrates said O'Connell had been given a chance.

"You could easily have gone to prison today," he said.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said after the incident Miss Walmsley had made a retraction statement and had made it clear she didn't want the matters to proceed.

"She was upset and was adamant she wanted him to get help and not be sent to prison," said Mrs Mann. "She does not want a restraining order and they have been together since the charges were laid."

Miss Walmsley said they had been in a relationship which had been "fantastic" until the death of his dog.

"Problems started after that and he became controlling and violent," said Mrs Mann. "Sometimes he would lock the doors and say who she could go out with."

The first assault happened when he grabbed her by the forearm and squeezed hard. Three days later they were arguing about the new dog making a mess in the house and she said it would have to go. As she walked away he punched her twice on the back of the head and then jumped on her. He pinned her down and bit her on her right breast.

Later the same day he apologised but then had another go at her for not making him any food and then hit her in the face.

Nich Dearing, defending, said O'Connell had mental health problems and the loss of his dog, which had been his closest friend, had caused him to start abusing prescription and non-prescription drugs.

"He is disgusted with himself for using violence towards Miss Walmsley," said Mr Dearing.