A 55-YEAR-OLD man assaulted his former girlfriend and her new boyfriend after forcing his way into the man’s house.

Blackburn magistrates heard James Wilfred Grunshaw punched his love rival several times before turning on Naomi Walker and assaulting her.

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The court was told he had sent messages threatening violence to both victims and the magistrates said this showed the offence had been pre-planned.

Grunshaw, of Addington Street, Blackburn, was convicted after trial of assaulting Anthony Alston and Naomi Walker and using violence to secure entry to premises.

He was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months, ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work and complete 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement and pay £250 compensation to Mr Alston and £150 to Miss Walker and £100 costs.

He was also made subject to a restraining order for two years which prohibits him from having any contact with the aggrieved.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Miss Walker was watching TV when there was a knock at the door. She saw it was Grunshaw and slammed the door and went upstairs to tell Mr Alston.

“He told her to call the police and went downstairs,” said Miss Allan. “The next thing the door burst open and she saw him throwing punches at her new partner. He then punched her before returning to the lobby and punching Mr Alston again.”

Miss Allan said Grunshaw had sent a text to Miss Walker referring to Mr Alston as “brain dead” and saying that was what he would be when he had finished with him.

Mr Alston told police that as soon as he started to see Miss Walker he started getting threatening messages from Grunshaw.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said the offences came about because both men were involved with the same woman.

Mr Taylor said: “He says she had lied about where she was and he found she was with Mr Alston. He accepts the relationship is over and says there will no repeat of this behaviour.”