A PREGNANT woman was knocked to the floor and then kicked by her partner during a row on the street.

Blackburn magistrates heard a member of the public who witnessed the incident and went to the victim's assistance heard her shout at Paul Inskip that she was pregnant.

Inskip, 53, of Yorkshire Street, Burnley, was convicted in his absence of assault. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Jane Rapin, prosecuting, said the incident took place on Yorkshire Street at 12.40 am.

The member of the public heard Inskip call the victim a bitch and then saw him punch her, causing her to fall to the floor.

"He stood over her, continuing to shout abuse, before he kicked her," said Mis Rapin. "He heard her shout that she was pregnant and then went over to assist her and called the police."

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said it was an unusual case in that the victim had to be produced from Styal prison to give evidence at the trial.

"She is awaiting sentence for two offences of wounding this defendant," said Mr Taylor. "In one incident he was stabbed i his knee with a screwdriver and on the other he was stabbed in the shoulder."