A MAN attacked his ex-wife after going round to discuss child access.

Blackburn magistrates heard Shabir Akbar climbed into his wife's car and punched her five or six times, all the time screaming and swearing and making references to her new partner.

Akbar, 30, of Wood Street, Brierfield, pleaded guilty to sending a Facebook message conveying a threat and was convicted in his absence of assault.

He was made subject to a community order for 18 months with 25 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 200 hours unpaid work.

He was ordered to pay £200 compensation and £200 costs.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said the victim was driving home when she saw Akbar and he threw something at her car.

When she pulled up outside her home he got in through the passenger door and punched her repeatedly.

The following day she started to receive messages from him in which he threatened to kill her and her boyfriend.

"She was scared and called the police straight away," said Mr Robinson.

Karibo Lawson, defending, said Akbar, who did not turn up for his trial, had always denied the assault and still maintained his innocence.

"He went there to discuss access to his children," said Mr Lawson.

"There were raised voices but he has always maintained he did not assault her."