BLOOD proved to be thicker than water for Christine Hurst who was torn between her sons and her lover, a court was told.

But magistrates heard that the decision to stand by her children ended with her assaulting her former partner.

She went back to the home of her ex-partner and painted abusive remarks on his furniture and five days later smashed a glass over his head after being snubbed in a Darwen pub.

Hurst, 31, of Olive Lane, Darwen, pleaded guilty to assaulting John Gardner and damaging his furniture.

She was made subject to a community rehabilitation order for two years and fined £150 with £60 costs and ordered to pay £60 compensation to Mr Gardner by the Blackburn court.

Graeme Tindall, defending, said Hurst and Mr Gardner had set up home together but there was a problem between Mr Gardner and her eldest son.

That led to arguments between them and the situation degenerated to the stage where she felt she had to make a choice.

"She felt she had to make a choice between him and her children and she chose her children," said Mr Tindall.

He said Hurst waited until Mr Gardner had gone to work and moved her belongings out.

"She accepts that in a fit of temper she then caused the damage to his property," said Mr Tindall.

"Her deep feelings for Mr Gardner came into play."

He said that a few days later Hurst went to the Punch Hotel to speak to Mr Gardner but he refused to take her on.

Other regulars, friends of Mr Gardner's were also making comments aimed at her and she became upset.

"Unfortunately she acted in an extreme manner which caused injury which she deeply regrets," said Mr Tindall.

"Mr Gardner has forgiven her for the wrong that was done and they have resumed their relationship.

"It is clear that they loved each other very deeply and still do but they have decided that the best option for the time being is for them to maintain their separate accommodation."