A man who assaulted his partner of 17 years was described in court as a "brutal bully".

Blackburn Magistrates' Court was told how Nathan Lane punched the victim so hard on November 20, 2022, it loosened her teeth.

The court was told he had a previous conviction for assaulting the same woman, who he had been in a relationship with since the pair were in primary school.

Lane, 37, of Cockerell Drive, Bacup, pleaded guilty to assault. He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison suspended for two years.

He was ordered to do 30 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and the Building Better Relationships programme.

He was ordered to pay £85 costs and £154 victim surcharge.

District Judge Alexandra Preston said Lane had lost his temper and punched his partner so hard it loosened her teeth.

"It was bullying, brutal behaviour towards a woman who you profess to love and who you have been in a relationship with for 17 years," said District Judge Preston.

"It was also witnessed by a child and while you were in drink which are both aggravating factors."

Antonia Walters, prosecuting, said the couple had argued and she had tried to push him out of the bedroom, and he reacted by punching her.

Jonathan Taylor, in mitigation, said his client pleaded guilty on the basis he had retaliated after he had been pushed.

"They are still together and have recently returned from a family holiday," said Mr Taylor.

"He realises he has let himself down very badly and he has to take full responsibility for that."