A "WIFE-beater" convicted of attacking his former partner did not accept the court's decision.

Luis Filipe Fernandes Nuncio, 31, refused to do a domestic violence programme and a probation officer terminated an interview with him when trying to compile a pre-sentence report because of his attitude, Burnley Magistrates were told.

The bench had heard how Nuncio also sent "intimidating" letters to victim Maria dos Santos about 10 days later while she was at a women's refuge.

Nuncio, of Robson Street, Brierfield, was found guilty of assault causing actual bodily harm on February 8 last year and and harassment between February 18 and 19, after a trial. He was given 240 hours unpaid work, with £75 compensation and £350 costs.

The justices also made a restraining order, banning Nuncio from going within 100 yards of Miss dos Santos.

The court had earlier been told how Nuncio punched the victim leaving her bruised and in pain. She believed the defendant would kill her.

He then hand delivered the letters to his former partner, by whom he has a child.

Nuncio denied assault when questioned by police and told officers he didn't think the content of the notes was intimidating.

Nuncio, who worked in Nelson's Archives Department, did not accept what he did and did not accept what the court found. He transferred some of the blame to Miss dos Santos and that could only be construed as a total lack of remorse, the court heard.

David Leach, defending, said although the community domestic violence programme was not appropriate, there was no suggestion the defendant would not co-operate with any community order.

The solicitor went on: "He says he will do the order.

"I accept the defendant has perhaps not shown a lot of co-operation in relation to the court and in relation to the whole court process.

"He feels aggrieved the court convicted him but as I have reiterated to him on several occasions, he must accept the decision of the court. "