NEIGHBOURS alerted by the screams of the woman living next door heard her being assaulted by her partner.

Blackburn magistrates heard Jason David Gavin punched his partner who banged her head as she fell over.

Gavin, 28, of Gill Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to assaulting Emma Nichols.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a six months alcohol treatment requirement and 25 days rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was also ordered to do 40 hours unpaid work and pay £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.

The court heard the couple had been out drinking together and there had been no trouble until they got home.

Miss Nichols told police she left the house when he became abusive but he followed her out and took he back in where the assault took place. She refused to make a statement against him.

Mark Williams, defending, said Miss Nichols had made it clear she hoped to continue the relationship.

"That doesn't alter the fact that it did happen and he accepts that," said Mr Williams.