A MAN who smashed his partner's teeth could pose a danger to future girlfriends, a court heard.

But Dale McCartney, 33, who attacked mother of three Kelly Cairney after a row over her children, was spared a jail term after a judge said a domestic violence course would do him more good.

Recorder Stephen Davies who said he accepted the assault was not intentional and was a one-off, admitted the court was taking a course which might be thought to be lenient.

The pair had a volatile relationship and police had been called on previous occasions, although mainly for heated arguments, Burnley Crown Court was told.

The defendant, of Warwick Close, Accrington, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, last June. He was given a community order with supervision for two years and must attend the domestic violence programme.

Brian Williams, prosecuting, said the defendant and victim had been in a relationship for about five years and it had its ups and downs.

Miss Cairney had three children from a previous relationship.

The youngsters had been to a carnival, McCartney was not happy they had not done their chores and there was an argument.

Miss Cairney was pushed into the corner of a bedroom, grabbed around the neck and both fell to the floor. McCartney hit her in the face about four times.

Mr Williams said one of the children called the police and the defendant was arrested. He denied any assault, claiming he was the victim.

Miss Cairney went to hospital with bruises and abrasions and was found to have a broken tooth. Another tooth was dislodged. The defendant had no previous convictions.

Martin Hackett, defending, said the relationship had ended and there had been no more difficulties between the couple.

The barrister urged the court to make a community order with the domestic violence programme. He continued: "It could allay the court's fears about the defendant and the small possibility he might reoffend."