Blackburn man assaulted his estranged partner three times in the space of nine days

Blackburn magistrates heard before one of the attacks Kirk Ian Andrews phoned her and made a threat to put her where her late mother was.

And on another occasion he threw a metal pole at her but missed and damaged her friend's car.

Andrews, of Monmouth Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to three charges of assaulting Laura Whiteside, damaging an outside light belonging to her, damaging a car belonging to Kerrie Riches and making a menacing phone call.

He was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months and ordered to pay £110 compensation to Miss Whiteside and £50 to Miss Riches. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and£115 victim surcharge.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said during the first assault Andrews grabbed Miss Whiteside by the hair and smashed her head into the bannister. He dragged her to the floor and stamped on her back. Later that day he made the threatening phone call.

The next day he went to collect some belongings and slapped Miss Whiteside across the face. He also threw a metal pole at her and caused the damage to Miss Riches' car.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client received injuries as a result of the incidents but he accepted his roll and was anxious to get the court proceedings concluded.