A BEEF worker who attacked his partner after a mammoth drinking session left her beaten and injured.

Burnley magistrates heard how father-of-four Derek Arthur Taylor punched Christine Casey until she passed out after the pair had shared 20 cans of lager and a bottle of brandy. A schoolboy was also struck by the defendant, who threatened he would "sort out" the child.

Taylor, 44, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and assault by beating. He was given a 12 months community rehabilitation order, to include the Think First programme and must pay £275 compensation and £100 costs..

On March 14 they started drinking. The victim had about 10 cans of lager and some of the brandy. The couple watched two videos, a row broke out and the defendant punched and beat his partner until she passed out.

Mrs Casey was left with a bruised face and her lips were swollen and cut inside.

The schoolboy was hit on his left cheek and suffered a sore eye. Taylor later told police he had not caused any injuries to Mrs Casey and claimed she had fallen on the stairs. He said he had not touched the boy at all.

Sarah Lyle, defending, said Taylor had been very drunk. The relationship had been happy and the defendant's behaviour was out of character.