A FATHER-of-three attacked his former partner and her friend, leaving both bleeding and his ex needing stitches, a court heard.

Michael Edward Anderton, 35, punched his former girlfriend Charlotte Kelby in the mouth, splitting her lip, and headbutted her friend Vicky Nugent, giving her two black eyes.

Anderton, of Herbert Street, Padiham, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and assault by beating, last June 20.

He was given 90 days in jail, suspended for 12 months, with 200 hours unpaid work. He must also pay £300 compensation and £65 costs.

Sophie Lorimer, prosecuting, told the court Miss Kelby, had earlier had an exchange of words with the defendant. She was at Miss Nugent's house in Whitegate Close, Padiham, heard the front door open and Anderton was standing in the kitchen. He went towards her and hit her in the mouth.

Miss Kelby fell to the floor, was screaming and could hear the defendant and her friend arguing. She heard sceams and saw Miss Nugent holding her face with blood pouring through her hands.

Trevor Grice, defending, said Anderton, a single dad, was working but had had a drink problem.

He had taken steps to address that now, was not drinking, was now in a new relationship with a woman with three children and had a settled lifestyle.