A WOMAN who told police her partner had slapped her during a row refused to make a formal statement.

Blackburn magistrates heard Liliam Toma admitted to police what he had done and described it as a momentary loss of control.

Toma, 32, of Ebor Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to assault. He was fined £200 with £85 costs and £34 victim surcharge.

Paul Sumner, prosecuting, said police spoke to the victim when they arrived and she told them there had been a verbal argument during which her partner had slapped her.

"She didn't want to make a statement and there is no application for a restraining order," said Mr Sumner.

Gareth Price, defending, said normally in a case of domestic violence the court would require a pre-sentence report.

"I hope to persuade you to deal with this particular case by way of a financial penalty," said Mr Price.

He said there was no formal complaint and to his credit Toma had admitted what he had done.

"During a row his partner of five years threw something at him and initially he tried to restrain her," said Mr Price.

"She became verbally abusive and made a derogatory comment about his mother. He accepts that at that point he lost control and slapped her."

Mr Price said his client had no issues with drink, drugs or mental health and was in full time employment.

"As he told the police, this was just a momentary loss of control," said Mr Price.