A MAN assaulted his partner twice in three days and both incidents were witnessed by her children.

Blackburn magistrates heard on the first occasion Thomas Conlan punched his partner on the nose and the children were "distressed" by the sight of all the blood.

Conlan, 27, of Gainsborough Avenue, Burnley, pleaded guilty to two charges of assault. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement, fined £40 and ordered to pay £85 costs, £95 victim surcharge and £50 compensation. He was made subject to a restraining order for two years which prevents him having any contact with the victim.

Ruby Mckeague, prosecuting, said the children had seen their mum being punched.

"They were creaming and the eldest was saying the defendant had made her mum bleed," said Miss Mckeague. "The victim said the children had been very distressed at the sight of all the blood."

Gareth Price, defending, said the actual assaults were at the bottom end in terms of seriousness.

"The aggravating factor is the presence of the children and my client is deeply remorseful about that," said Mr Price. "He now recognises the relationship is at an end."