A BODYBUILDER who assaulted his partner did not know his own strength, Burnley Magistrates heard.

The court was told how Robin Harrop, 20, who was said to have put his hand over the victim's mouth, caused her to lose her balance and bang her head.

Harrop had thought their relationship was ending and had tried to stop her leaving.

Harrop, of Tor View, Rawtenstall, admitted assault by beating on November 3. He was given 12 months supervision and must pay £75 compensation and £75 costs.

The court had earlier been told how Harrop, a cleaning supervisor at Burnley's Marks&Spencer, had been upset after the victim's father alleged he had been threatened because the defendant, he claimed, had vandalised a car. The claim was said to be false.

The defendant, who thought his girlfriend's father was trying to split them up, had been upset after also being stopped by the police driving that day.

Christiana Buchanan, prosecuting, told the sentence hearing the victim would say Harrop did not know his own strength.

The prosecutor said the defendant's mother had come into the room during the row, tried to intervene to stop it and the defendant stamped on a table.

Mrs Buchanan said: "Lack of emotional maturity seems to be the root of his problems."

She added the defendant fully accepted what he had done and was remorseful.

Harrop, who was not represented, said he and the victim were going to try and get back together after the court case.