A DRUG addict who subjected his girlfriend to a night-long beating which left her face unrecognisable turned up the next morning and posted some pain killers through her door.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Peter Thornton, 35, attacked who was left bruised, bleeding and unconscious after the attack which included the "degradation" of Thornton threatening to slash her private parts with a piece of smashed mirror -- but she claimed it was because he had taken a new different drug, crack cocaine..

The defendant had wanted money for more drugs and Miss Dean had hidden cash away in her knickers. She took cover in an airing cupboard to escape his fury, and the court was told, blamed herself that Thornton was in court.

Sending him to prison for two years and seven months, Recorder Heather Lloyd said Thornton's behaviour had been outrageous and absolutely shocking and the beating was prolonged and brutal.

The judge said Miss Dean had a forgiving nature and it was not her fault Thornton was in the dock. Thornton, of Dane Street, Burnley, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm last December and theft. Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said Miss Dean and the defendant lived together and had been out drinking. Thornton later returned home and demanded £10 for heroin.

He then began his assault on her in the bedrooms, punched her and hit her with a mallet. She became drowsy and the next thing she knew she was in the bathroom being hit by a smashed miror.

The defendant then headbutted her three times in the face downstairs and she was able to get rid of him by handing the defendant a piece of paper which he thought was cash. When he was realised he had been taken in, he was banging on the door and shouting to be let in.

Mr Lamberty said Miss Dean went to bed and at about 9am, Thornton returned to the house and pushed some pain killers through the door.

Anthony Cross, defending, said Thornton had been in custody. Miss Dean had forgiven her partner for the violence and believed he had taken a drug that day that caused him to behave with her in this violent and bizarre manner.