A man from Colne who attacked his then-girlfriend a second time is to go on a course aimed at preventing domestic violence.

Michael Phair’s second outburst was for no apparent reason and was ‘almost a complete replay’ of his first sustained assault, Burnley Crown Court was told.

He had punched Jessica Bell in the face, squeezed her around the neck and threatened to kill her.

Judge Edward Slinger said he was taking an exceptional course so Phair could attend the Building Better Relationships programme.

Phair, of Birtwistle Avenue, Colne, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm on September 24 and had been committed for sentence. He was given 51 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, with supervision.

Sarah Statham, prosecuting, said Ms Bell, 22, had been in a relationship with the defendant since 2007 and in the latter part of it, she would say, he had been violent.

Jane Dagnall, defending, said Phair had many issues and had significantly low self-esteem. She said: “This young lady was the one stabilising factor in his life.”

Judge Slinger said Phair could have found himself behind bars for 18 months and warned him: “There will be no further chances.”