A 36-year-old Blackburn man "lashed out" at his partner during a row which began because she refused to pick his dirty clothes up off the floor.

Hyndburn magistrates heard that Steven Brown hit his partner once on the forehead and was now deeply remorseful.

Brown, 36, of Brodick Road, pleaded guilty to assaulting Maureen Turner.

He was made subject to community supervision for 18 months, ordered to do 80 hours unpaid work and pay £65 costs.

Anser Amin, defending, said Brown was ashamed of his action.

"He knows he has an alcohol problem and that he needs help with it," said Mr Amin, who said his client had learning difficulties.

"Having been bullied most of his life because of his learning difficulties he can get angry when provoked."