A WOMAN assaulted by her drinking buddy woke up the following morning in his bed.

Blackburn Magistrates heard Maxine Pugh had only a sketchy recollection of the incident but Ian Johnson admitted assaulting her.

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Johnson, 61, of Lawrence Street, Great Harwood, pleaded guilty to assault.

He was made subject to a community order with a 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement, fined £20 and ordered to pay £100 compensation, £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

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

Philippa White, prosecuting, said the friendship between the two was born out of the fact they were both heavy drinkers.

They were at her flat when an argument started, magistrates were told.

Mrs White said: "He struck her to the face although she couldn't recall how many times.

"She remembers being on the floor and the defendant was apologising and trying to help her up.

"The next thing she remembers is waking up in his bed the following morning with the defendant in bed beside her.

"Her face was bruised and she had blood on her lips and nose."

Richard Prew, defending, said in the heat of the drunken row Miss Pugh came towards the defendant.

Mr Prew said: "He struck out in retaliation and accepts he went too far."