A RECONCILIATION meeting which began with hugs and kisses ended in violence.

Blackburn magistrates heard Matthew Dickinson chased his former partner down the canal bank.

When he caught her he stood over her laughing before pushing her down the banking and holding her head over the water saying he was going to kill her.

Adam Bonny, prosecuting, said the victim was so scared she actually wet herself.

Dickinson, 29, of Newfield Drive, Nelson, pleaded guilty to assault. He was made subject to a community order for two years with 30 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 135 hours unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £200 compensation, £95 victim surcharge and £200 costs. He was made subject to a restraining order or two years which prohibits any contact with the aggrieved.

Adam Bonny, prosecuting, on the day of the offence Dickinson had contacted his former partner and she agreed to meet him on the canal near Halifax Road in Brierfield.

"They met outside Morrisons where they kissed and hugged before setting off along the canal," said Mr Bonny.

"They let the dog off the lead and walked for about five minutes before sitting down on a wall and opening some cans of beer."

Mr Bonny said they were playing music on an iPad when a message arrived and Dickinson "flipped."

"She feared for her safety and started running along the towpath," said Mr Bonny.

"When he caught up she fell to the floor hugging her knees to her chest and shouting at him to stop.

"He was standing over her laughing and then dragged her down the bank by her hair and held her over the water saying he was going to kill her."