A 31-YEAR-OLD man punched his partner during a row over text messages he had previously sent to a work colleague.

Blackburn magistrates heard Kristian Moon had little recollection of the incident because of the amount he had drunk.

And the court was told he had since self-referred to Inspire to get help with his alcohol problem.

Moon, 31, of Chestnut Drive, Rawtenstall, pleaded guilty to assaulting Victoria Keefe.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a six months alcohol treatment and 25 rehabilitation activity requirement orders.

He was fined £25 with £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.

Adrian Hollamby, prosecuting, said both parties had been drinking when the row broke out over the text messages.

Both parties were shouting at each other and he punched her on the nose and then punched her twice to the head.

Richard Prew, defending, said his client's recollection of events was hazy because of the amount he had to drink.

"He has done something about his problem by self-referring to Inspire," said Mr Prew. "He has heard through his mum that his partner would welcome a reconciliation."