A man attacked his then partner and a teenager after losing control in the early hours, a court was told.

Jobless father of four Tony Kendon Howarth, 43, had grabbed the 17-year-old by the throat so she struggled to breathe and slapped her. His girlfriend went to her aid and Howarth punched her, inflicting severe pain.

The defendant, who has a new partner since the incident on February 25, had denied two counts of assault by beating, but had been convicted after a trial. Howarth, of Oakenclough Road, Bacup, was given a 12 month community order and was ordered to pay £200 compensation.

Bill Maude, prosecuting, said at the time Michelle Cartwright had been in a "volatile relationship" with the defendant for four and a half years. She had gone to a works event with the teenager.

They returned to her home about 1.20am and Howarth was already in bed, although still awake.

The defendant got out of bed and Miss Cartwright heard the 17-year-old screaming: "Get off me." The defendant had grabbed the teenager by her arms and Miss Cartwright tried to pull him off her but he turned round and hit her in the face.

David Leach, defending, said Howarth had some difficulty accepting the victims', versions but there was no suggestion he would not comply with the community order.

The solicitor said: "He accepts the relationship is at an end and he has formed a new relationship. It was a one-off."