A MAN who had been arrested for an assault on his partner punched a police officer.

Blackburn magistrates heard that before he swung out Curtis Brooks said: "If I'm going to prison, I'm going for a proper reason."

Brooks, 28, of Thwaites Road, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty to assault, damaging a plate and assaulting an emergency worker.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 25 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and 120 days alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. He was ordered to pay £50 compensation to the police officer.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said the victim had known Brooks for three years but for two of them he had been in prison.

She said he had been trying to sort himself out in terms of drugs and drink.

"On this night he had been drinking and became aggressive," said Mr Robinson. "He threatened to punch her and she told him to leave."

Brooks threw a punch at his partner which brushed her cheek and then pushed her against a worktop before throwing a plate across the room.

"The police were called and at the time she said she never wanted to see him again," said Mr Robinson.

"She has been contacted since and says she doesn't want a restraining order."

Mr Robinson said the assault on the police officer happened in the custody suite at Greenbank police station, Blackburn, where Brooks was taken following his arrest.

The officer managed to avoid the first punch thrown by Brooks but was caught on the chin by a second.

Gareth Price, defending, said his client accepted he had 'lost his head'.

"He would like to apologise to the officer," said Mr Price.

"During the incident with his partner he lost his temper, pushed her and smashed a plate."