A man subjected his partner to a "brutish" attack after dragging her out of her home.

Blackburn magistrates heard witnesses saw Shayne Gabriel pick the victim up and slam her down on her back onto a brick wall.

He also hit her repeatedly about the torso and arms with a wooden bat.

Gabriel, 35, of Garden Street, Padiham, pleaded guilty to assault and criminal damage. He was jailed for 22 weeks after court was told he had been recalled to prison as a result of the incident and was not due for release until April. He was made subject to a restraining order for two years.

District Judge Alexandra Preston said the defendant's behaviour could only be described as "brutish."

"You beat the victim with a wooden bat causing numerous injuries and you are very lucky not to have be facing a more serious charge," said District Judge Preston. "You have a long history of violence and committed these offences while of post sentence supervision following a conviction for affray. You subjected this lady to very serious violence."

Susheela Regala, prosecuting, said Gabriel had been at the victim's home and became angry when she told him she was going to stay with a friend for a few days. He damaged a pane of glass, two vases and the TV. He started hitting her with the bat before dragging her out of the house and onto the street where the attack continued.

"Neighbours could see him hitting her about the torso and arms with the bat," said Miss Regala. "He then picked her up and slammed her back onto a brick wall. The witness believed the force used could have broken her back."

Mark Williams, defending, said the aggrieved had not supported the prosecution.

He said his client accepted a custodial sentence would be imposed.

"I'm a little surprised by the application for a restraining order given that she has not supported the prosecution," said Mr Williams.