A FATHER-of-three spat twice in his partner's face when she shut him out after he had been drinking, a court heard.

Christopher Keegan, 22, then shouted through the letter box to be let in and grabbed her and pushed her against the bannister.

Samantha Maymond, the mother of Keegan's children, was left shocked, scared and angry.

Keegan, of Nightingale Crescent, Burnley, admitted common assault.

He was given a community order with 12 months supervision and ordered to pay £65 costs.

Dylan Bradshaw, defending, said Keegan and Miss Maymond were now living together again.

The solicitor added: "He shows sincere shame and regret and is horrified by the assault on the person he loves."