A MAN is alleged to have attempted to drag his estranged partner out of a taxi by her hair and then an ankle.

But magistrates heard that while Jason Lynton Woods admitted assaulting Billy Marie Pinnington, his version of events was very different.

And Pam Baldwin, defending, said the courts had already dismissed one allegation by the aggrieved after they proved that Woods had been in the sterile environment of a pharmaceuticals factory.

He had no access to a phone at the time Miss Pinnington claimed he had phoned her in breach of bail conditions.

Woods, 35, of Sandy Lane, Darwen, admitted assault and was made subject to community supervision for two years.

Philippa White, prosecuting at Hyndburn, said Miss Pinnington was leaving her home and had her 10-month-old child in her arms and her three- year-old with her.

She had ordered a taxi to a friend's house but as she went out, Woods was waiting. She claimed he was abusive and then leaned into the taxi.

"Miss Pinnington still had her 10-month-old in her arms and both the children were crying," said Mrs White.

"He was abusive, calling her a slag, then grabbed her hair and then by an ankle and tried to drag her out of the car."

Miss Baldwin said the version reported by the taxi driver did not contain any reference to physical contact and mentioned a slapping sound which could have been made by a hand on the leather seat.