A MAN who assaulted a woman after drinking heavily while watching England in the World Cup was too ashamed to face her.

Blackburn magistrates heard Brian James Ward had previously walked away from rows with the woman but on this occasion had grabbed her by the throat and punched her.

The court was told since the incident he had been sleeping in his van parked in a field where he keeps horses.

He said he was deeply ashamed of himself and devastated by what he had done to the woman with whom he had shared a loving relationship.

Ward 36, of Judge Fields, Colne, pleaded guilty to assault.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 30 days rehabilitation and ordered to pay £200 compensation, £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.

He was also excluded from Judges Field for 28 days.

Nick Dearing, defending, said his client was proud of the fact he had never hit a woman before.

“Previously he has always walked away from rows with his wife and was proud that it had never led to violence,” said Mr Dearing.

“He acknowledges the wrong he has done and makes no effort to hide from it.”

Mr Dearing said Ward had started drinking at lunchtime while watching England play Panama.