A 30-YEAR-OLD man threatened his partner and shouted 'nasty' abuse at her when he went to her house in a drunken state.

Blackburn magistrates heard Daniel John Pearson used a derogatory term when he referred to Sharon Burrows, who suffers from bi-polar.

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But while the magistrates said the use of the abuse had been particularly nasty they ruled that it did not make the offence a disability hate crime which would have elevated the sentence.

Pearson, 30, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to assaulting Miss Burrows and making threats to smash up her house. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Pearson had raised his fist and made Miss Burrows fear violence although it was accepted he had not actually hit her.

"He spat on the floor and threatened to smash her house up before climbing into bed," said Miss Allan.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client was extremely remorseful and accepted the relationship was now over.

He said Pearson wasn't having a go at Miss Burrows because of her bi-polar disorder.

"It was extremely offensive but it wasn't targeted at any disability she had," said Mr Taylor. "He did raise his fist but there is no suggestion he actually struck her. He accepts he put her in fear of violence."