A MAN grabbed his partner by the throat and threw her around the room during a violent outburst fuelled by a cocktail of drink and drugs, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Maria Creaney suffered a deep cut to her head after banging it against furniture, leaving her long, blond hair matted with blood.

Her partner later admitted to police that he had drunk at least 10 pints of lager mixed with anti-depressants and sleeping tablets.

Edward Owen Haczycki, 22, of Old Bank Lane, Blackburn, admitted assaulting Miss Creaney and two charges of damaging police cars.

He was ordered to do 40 hours community punishment and 12 months community rehabilitation and pay £100 compensation to Miss Creaney, £17.82 to the police and £50 costs.

Silvia Dacre, prosecuting, said the couple had been drinking and when they returned to Miss Creaney's he lost his temper for no apparent reason. He smashed the microwave and other items and Miss Creaney went upstairs to get out of his way.

"He followed her up and grabbed her by the throat," said Miss Dacre. "He dragged her around and at some stage she banged her head."

Haczycki ran off but was traced to his mother's address. He became very agitated and started shouting abuse police. As he was being escorted out he kicked a police vehicle and said: "Have a bit of criminal damage as well." He then kicked the wing mirror of another police car.

Haczycki said he could not remember what started the row but he remembered throwing his girlfriend around the room. He also remembered putting his hands around her throat and strangling her until she went red.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said Miss Creaney had made it clear in her statement that she didn't want to make a formal complaint against Haczycki and the couple are now reconciled.

"She has come to court today to support him," said Mr Taylor. "My client is deeply ashamed of what happened. He accepts that because of the medication he was on for depression he should not have consumed the amount of alcohol he did on this evening."