A 37-year-old Great Harwood man who grabbed his partner by the neck during a row claimed she had "pushed his buttons."

Hyndburn magistrates heard that the attack took place in front of the victim's 10-year-old son but it ended as quickly as it had begun when he realised what he was doing.

Mark George Sanderson, of Orchard Street, pleaded guilty to assaulting Sarah Pickford.

He was remanded on bail for the a pre-sentence report after the magistrates heard he had previous convictions for harassment of a previous partner and breaching restraining orders relating to her.

Philippa White, prosecuting, said the couple had been in a relationship for about three years and Miss Pickford had entered into that despite being aware of his problems with a previous partner.

On the day of the incident they had been arguing and he warned that if she carried on he would "have her".

"He suddenly grabbed her by the neck with both hands," said Mrs White. "She felt in a blind panic and kicked out at him."

Imran Hussain, defending, said that Miss Pickford said in her statement that there had been no previous incidents of violence in their relationship.

"My client says that on this occasion she was having a go at him and pushing his buttons''" said Mr Hussain.