A MAN slapped his partner after she brought another man home in the early hours, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates Court heard how Melvin Robinson, 57, swore at Fiona Duffy before attacking her, leaving her with a bloody nose and a cut lip.

Robinson, of Tunnel Street, Burnley, who has no previous convictions, admitted common assault and was fined £250, and ordered to pay £200 compensation and £50 costs.

Emma Kehoe, prosecuting, told the court Robinson was said to have been violent towards Miss Duffy, his girlfriend of two years, on several occasions. She arrived home about 3.30am, bringing back a friend called John to sleep on the settee.

The defendant, who also knew the man, came downstairs, asked who was on the settee and was abusive to his partner. Miss Duffy went upstairs, the defendant followed, pushed her around the bedroom and once downstairs again, hit her.

He was also said to have kicked her twice in the face.

Rachel Adamson, defending, said Robinson accepted causing the injuries but disputed the Crown's version of events. He denied the relationship had been violent. The victim had a drink problem and would come home drunk.

The defendant accepted he had had alcohol as well.

Robinson was upset about Miss Duffy bringing the man home. A row started and when she started to feed something to her friend on the sofa. He accepted he slapped her.

Miss Adamson said Robinson bitterly regretted what happened and denied kicking Miss Duffy, claiming if he had done the actions she complained of her injuries would have been much more serious.