A MAN who claimed he was God told his partner she had coronavirus because he had wished it on her.

Blackburn magistrates heard John Paul Phillips assaulted his girlfriend after describing her as "evil beyond belief."

Phillips, 54, of Smith Street, Nelson, pleaded guilty to assault and using threatening behaviour. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Peter Bardsley, prosecuting, said the victim described the relationship as "toxic." She said Phillips "spouted gibberish" about being God and having power.

On the day of the incident he came to her house several times complaining he had been arrested the previous day. He was shouting at her and making threats and made his coronavirus comment.

"He left before police arrived but came back," said Mrs Bardsley. "He grabbed his partner by the hair and punched her in the eye. Some of her hair came out."

Daniel Frazer, defending, said his client had significant mental health problems.

"There was an argument and he accepts he overstepped the mark," said Mr Frazer. "He says the relationship is over."