A THUG who became the first person in the country to receive an ASBO for domestic violence after years of beating up his girlfriends is facing jail after breaching the order.

David Grimes, 27, of Penistone Avenue, Burnley, was given the order earlier this year after magistrates heard he subjected his partners to mental and physical abuse.

But he was back in court yesterday after he ignored two of its conditions.

Magistrates were told Grimes had been caught in Whitegate Gardens, Padiham, from where he was banned and was also seen associating with Robert Heyhurst, who he was banned from talking to.

He was remanded in custody after pleading guilty to a breach of the ASBO and will appear before a crown court judge on November 20, when he is likely to be sent to jail.

Police said Grimes has been arrested 66 times over the last five years for a catalogue of offences including violence against women.

And after he was convicted of an attack on his latest partner, police decided to act with the groundbreaking ASBO in a bid to prevent further incidents.

Domestic violence workers welcomed the order and said it would encourage other victims to come forward.

When the ASBO was imposed, Burnley magistrates were told Grimes tried to knife Kate Lambert in the stomach after lunging at her on her doorstep with a large kitchen knife, missing her by a couple of inches.

He admitted assault and possessing an offensive weapon and was given a nine-month jail term, suspended for two years, a three-year curfew from 7pm-7am, two years' supervision and the addressing substance- related offending programme.

The ASBO, which will last two years, bans Grimes from Whitegate Close, Padiham, where Ms Lambert lives, and from entering any premises on the close.

He is also not allowed to be drunk in a public place and must not associate with Sandra and Robert Heyhurst.

After the breach proceedings, Inspector Damian Darcy said: "The ASBO was given to Grimes to help protect people and it is good to see it is working."