A man assaulted his girlfriend during a row over his use of cannabis and other drugs, including anabolic steroids.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Rory Marshall also assaulted a police officer who came to arrest him.

Marshall, 23, of Devonshire Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to two charges of assault, possession of cannabis and possession of valium, Dianabol and testosterone.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement, a 120 day alcohol treatment order and 80 hours unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Scott Parker, prosecuting, said there had been incidents sparked by the defendant’s drug use over a period of days.

The day before the incident he said he was going to smoke a spliff in the garden but she said no.

He got dressed and said he would go down the street and smoke it.

“He returned at 2.45am and started shouting at her to help him find his keys,” said Mr Parker.

“He became abusive and called her a control freak because she wouldn’t put up with his drug use.”

Marshall took hold of his partner and pushed her away. When police arrived he pushed one officer and actively resisted arrest.

He had to be pepper sprayed before he could be handcuffed.

Mr Parker said the incidents occurred on December 16 and Marshall appeared in court on December 18.

“He has been in custody since then because he told the judge hearing his case that he would go back to the address,” said Mr Parker.