A VICTIM of domestic violence refused to make a statement to police despite being punched to the floor and kicked repeatedly.

Blackburn magistrates heard the prosecution continued because a neighbour and a taxi office employee witnessed the attack.

Samuel James Chadwick, 23, of Mona Road, Blackburn, admitted assaulting Lauren Atkinson. He was bailed for a pre-sentence report.

Philippa White, prosecuting, said the neighbour was in her garden when she heard a dispute.

Half an hour later she heard a man shouting and looked out to see Miss Atkinson open the door to her house.

Mrs White said: “Miss Atkinson was punched six or seven times in the face, knocking her to the floor.

“The witness saw the defendant kick her two or three times.”

Mrs White said the desk operator at a local taxi office heard a female screaming and ran out to see a man straddling a female and punching her. Shortly after, the woman stumbled into the taxi office as he was on the phone to the police.

Andrew Church-Taylor, defending, said prior to the incident Miss Atkinson had been taunting Chadwick about other partners she may or may not have had.

He said: “That led to an argument and initially, to his credit, he left the house and went for a walk to calm down.

“He needs to learn how to deal with situations better than he did on this occasion.”