A 27-year-old Accrington man drew blood when he bit his partner on the nose during a New Year's Eve bust-up.

Hyndburn magistrates heard that Darren Graham tried to apologise for his actions but when his advances were spurned pushed his partner off the bed causing her to bang her head on a radiator.

Graham, of Hartman Street, pleaded guilty to assaulting Jeanette Kerfoot. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £65 costs.

John Wood, prosecuting, said the couple had stayed in on New Year's Eve and Graham had started drinking at about 7pm. There were a number of arguments that got worse as the night went on.

"At about 3am there was a confrontation and he grabbed her by the throat, pinned her down and then bit her nose causing it to bleed," said Mr Wood.

Graham Parkinson, defending, said the couple had reconciled and Miss Kerfoot had come to court to support her partner.

"They had both been drinking and had an argument which got out of hand," said Mr Parkinson.

"He accepts his behaviour was totally unacceptable. The injury to her nose was minor and didn't need medical attention."