A COUPLE who got together to try and resolve their differences ended up in a violent confrontation after she read a text message on his phone while he was asleep.

Hyndburn magistrates heard the message was sent to Joseph Montgomery by someone called Neil' but the content suggested it was from a female.

And when Christine Wilson roused her partner to confront him he first shook her and then grabbed her by the hair and banged her head against the wall.

Montgomery, 49, of Blackburn Road, Great Harwood, pleaded guilty to assault, He was bailed for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Philippa White, prosecuting, said just before Christmas Miss Wilson received information that Montgomery was not being faithful to her.

On January 5 she went round to his address hoping to sort things out.

"They had a meal and opened a bottle of wine, after which he fell asleep," said Mrs White.

"While he was asleep a text message came and Miss Wilson read it. It appeared to come from someone called Neil but as she read the message it became apparent it was from a female."

Bernard Horne, defending, said that until the point where his client grabbed Miss Wilson by the hair he had done nothing wrong.

"While these proceedings have been ongoing she has been telephoning and texting him to say she accepts his explanation and that he was not having an affair and saying she would like the relationship to continue."