AN EX-convict launched a Valentine's Day attack on his former girlfriend -- after attempting to kiss and make up with her.

Burnley Magistrates this week heard how David Patrick Rushton, 27, dragged Veronica Brierley down steps in front of her terrified mother, kicked her in the face, beat her and knelt on her as she tried to stop him.

Miss Brierley was left with a swollen eye, painful jaw and suffering headaches after she was set upon at her mother's home.

Rushton, of no fixed address, admitted assault by beating and harassment.

He was jailed for five months by the bench who said the attack was violent, unprovoked and sustained.

Joanne Shahzada, prosecuting, said Rushton had wanted to speak to the victim, but she told him to go away.

They had had a volatile on and off three year relationship.

The defendant turned up at her mother's home, but Miss Brierley told him it was over.

All she remembered is Rushton lunging at her and then having suffered injuries.

She had been grabbed by the chest, pulled out of the front door, down some steps and fell onto the floor.The defendant then kicked her three or four times in the face.

Miss Brierley was screaming throughout her ordeal and her mother was so terrified she felt helpless.

Glen Smith, defending, said Rushton believed and hoped he was going to smooth things over with Miss Brierley, but lost his temper.

He told the court Rushton had problems with personal relationships and had been in court for proceedings involving his foster parents.