A MAN attacked his wife when they returned home after he had seen her kissing another man earlier in the evening.

Hyndburn magistrates heard Melvin Seddon, 55, pinned his bride of 22 years on the floor and had both hands around her throat.

After their lodger intervened to release Sedd-on's grip, Seddon butted his wife on the nose and in a few minutes later he repeatedly punched her in the face. The court heard when police attended the then empty house the living room was spattered with blood.

Seddon, of Radcliffe Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to assaulting Lynne Seddon. He was bailed for a pre-sentence report and warned custody would be a "serious consideration".

Philippa White, prose-cuting, said the couple had been to a party at Darwen Football Club and then went to Marigolds nightspot.

"He told police when they entered that establishment his wife kissed another man and this enraged him," said Mrs White.

"He said he adores his wife but she had previously had an affair and this incident put him in a rage."

Pam Baldwin, defending, said everything had been fine in the marriage until seven years ago when Mrs Seddon's sister died and she then developed a dependence on alcohol. "In the last 12 months the situation has deteriorated and she has been going out on her own and having brief relationships with other men," said Miss Baldwin.

"This has caused enormous grief for my client and the rest of the family.

" On the night in question he saw her kissing another man when they were out together.

"The offence was committed in a state of extreme psychological stress."