A 38-YEAR-OLD man confronted his wife after finding explicit text messages on her phone, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that the showdown ended with Paul Steven Barnes slapping his wife of 17 years across the face.

And the incident ended the couple's relationship, which was now subject to divorce proceedings, the court was told.

Barnes, of Hertford Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assault and resisting arrest.

He was made subject to community supervision for two years, with a condition he attends the domestic violence programme, fined £150, and ordered to pay £150 compensation and £60 costs.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Barnes had been drinking at the time of the incident.

"When the police arrived he continued shouting and swearing in front of all five of their children who were woken by the row," said Miss Allan.

Imran Hussain, defending, said Barnes had no previous convictions and accepted that drink had affected his behaviour.

"He lost his temper and slapped his wife once before going to bed," said Mr Hussain.

"He says he was provoked by the content of the text messages he found on his wife's phone."