A MAN who assaulted his new girlfriend while they were away on the Isle of Man was subject to a suspended prison sentence for an assault on his mother.

Blackburn magistrates heard the latest victim of violence at the hands of John Marsh said the incident had been a "living nightmare" for her.

In a victim personal statement she said the events in Douglas had caused her a great deal of fear, distress and unhappiness.

She said it would be difficult to trust again and she would have to deal with the problems in the future.

"She fears a new relationship with a new man may be difficult for her," said Carl Gaffney, prosecuting.

Marsh, 34, of Bankfield Street, Trawden, was convicted after trial of assault causing actual bodily harm. The full period of 12 months of the suspended sentence was activated and he was ordered to serve a further four months for the latest offence. He was acquitted on two other charges of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Mr Gaffney said the finding of guilt had been made on the facts relating to one incident. Marsh had pushed and shoved the victim inside a van before dragging her out by the arm. He then lifted her up and carried her against her will causing injuries.

The offence had been committed on August 31 and the suspended sentence, for assault causing actual bodily harm to his mum, had been made on June 22.

Janet Sime, defending, said her client ran his own plastering business, employing two people.

She said her client had mental health problems and had been asking for help for a long time.

"He has eventually got an appointment next week and hopefully that will be start of an improvement and help to get him on an even keel," said Miss Sime.

District Judge Alex Boyd said the offence was aggravated because of the domestic nature and because of the significant impact it had on the victim.

"It is most significantly aggravated by the fact you were made subject to a suspended sentence just two months earlier, also for an offence in a domestic context," said District Judge Boyd.