A ROW broke out when a man returned home drunk and carrying a bag of books.

Blackburn magistrates heard his partner of 22 years accused Stephen Jackson of "hoarding" and threw his collection out of the back door.

There was repeated opening and shutting of the door before Jackson picked up a broom and used the handle to smash the door glass.

Jackson, 51, of Coal Clough Lane, Burnley, pleaded guilty to criminal damage. He was ordered to pay £200 compensation after the magistrates heard he had spent two days in custody following his arrest.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said Jackson came home drunk at 7 pm on Sunday and an argument started over the bag of books he had bought.

"He had also bought her a bought her a bunch of flowers but she rejected them," said Miss Akhtar.

Nick Dearing, defending, said his client had once worked as a joiner but things took a downward spiral after he was injured and could not work.

"He started to drink and has lost the respect of his partner," said Mr Dearing. "She now wants them to split up."

He said she took exception to his liking for books and on the day he had returned home with a bag full he had bought from charity shops.

"She threw them out and he was upset," said Mr Dearing.