A 36-YEAR-OLD man assaulted his estranged partner during a row over his drug use.

Blackburn magistrates heard Emmaline Trott had allowed Terry Joseph Dunn to spend the night at her home but ordered him out the next morning when she overheard him arranging to collect drugs.

The court was told it was his drug habit which had brought to an end their seven year relationship.

Dunn, of the Salvation Army, Heaton Street, Blackburn pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting Miss Trott.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months and ordered to pay £100 compensation, £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.

Charlotte Crane, prosecuting, said Dunn had turned up at Miss Trott's home in the early hours asking if he could stay. She asked him to leave the next morning when she overheard him making a drug deal.

"He grabbed her by the arms and pushed her against a wall before grabbing her by the throat. He later raised his fist and threatened to punch her in the face.