A MAN who assaulted his girlfriend in a late night town centre row was captured on CCTV, magistrates heard.

Zahid Tabbassum's victim did not want to make a complaint about his behaviour and they were still together but he was filmed manhandling her.

The footage was shown to the bench after the defendant, of Every Street, Nelson, admitted assault by beating when he appeared in court in Burnley.

Tabbassum, 24, was given an 18 month conditional discharge and must pay £95 costs.

The bench said the assault was prolonged but no actual blows were struck and no injuries were sustained.

Elizabeth Read, prosecuting, said the case was unusual as the Crown's evidence was based on the CCTV footage.

Tabbassum had previous convictions for robbery and drugs and had been to jail.

John Rusius, defending, said Tabbassum expressed remorse. He was extremely ashamed and embarrassed about his behaviour.

The defendant had no previous convictions for assault or public order offences. Both the defendant and his partner had drunk too much on the night of the assault.

Mr Rusius said: "The argument was about which way to go home. It was extremely ridiculous and shouldn't have happened."

He added the complainant had not wanted the police to press charges and had not made a statement. The pair were still in a relationship.