A SENIOR company manager who used violence towards his girlfriend during a car journey has avoided jail -- after she wrote to the judge.

Preston Crown Court heard Adrian Clemson had over-reacted on seeing a friend leaving Maura Emmett's home one morning.

Mrs Emmett was attacked during a drive from Blackburn to Gisburn, but the couple have since become reconciled and planned to marry next year.

Clemson, 33, of Bridge Street, Rishton, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm on March 9 this year.

Prior to that, the couple had a four-year relationship, which had been more on and off for the last two years.

Neil Standage, prosecuting, told the court Clemson had become increasingly obsessive. Two weeks before the assault Mrs Emmett was determined to finish the relationship.

On the date of the offence, she was leaving her house and saw Clemson reverse back down to where she lived. She and a friend went back into her house, thinking it was the best thing to do.

But the defendant appeared at a back window and uttered words to her. Afterwards he drove off.

Mrs Emmett was later making a phone call before going into work when Clemson confronted her on the car park of Daisy Field Baths, Blackburn.

The prosecution claimed an altercation took place, with the defendant punching and kicking her. He coerced her into his car, said Mr Standage.

"During the 15 to 20 mile journey he assaulted her by lashing out at her with the back of his hand. She says this was on a number of occasions. The journey came to an end in Gisburn, where she sought assistance in a petrol station. She was terrified throughout the incident. She received bruising and red marks."

When interviewed by police, Clemson said he had lashed out by swinging his arms. He said he had felt really angry and upset at the time.

Defence barrister Ken Hind said Clemson had found another man leaving her home that morning. "He was very attached to her, devoted to her. He over-reacted in the circumstances."

The defendant was placed on 12 months community rehabilitation, with a condition to attend a probation-run domestic violence programme. He must also pay £240 prosecution costs.