AN ALCOHOLIC who smashed a plate over his girlfriend's head was described as a gentleman by a charity he helped.

Burnley Magistrates heard how jobless Edward McGarrell, 52, was meant to be discussing Doreen McGarrell's 50th birthday celebrations with her.

Instead, he told her she wasn't fit to be a mother and hit her with the plate.

Miss McGarrell bled heavily. She dialled 999 and the defendant sat down and waited for the police.

McGarrell, of Union Street, Colne, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm on May 5. He was given 12 months' community rehabilitation and was told to pay £100 compensation.

Mercedah Jabbari, prosecuting, told the court the defendant and victim had been in a relationship for nine years at the time . He had moved out into his own flat after four turbulent years. She would visit him.

McGarrell had a drink problem, had drunk three large glasses of vodka when Miss McGarrell went round. They argued, and the defendant then had a nap and some food but became aggressive.

He hit Miss McGarrell with the plate, it broke into two and a pool of blood collected on the headrest of the chair. She was taken to hospital and was left shocked, upset and in pain. McGarrell had 13 previous convictions.

Rachel Adamson, defending, said both defendant and complainant had a history of alcohol abuse and the relationship was destructive on both their parts.

The defendant was referred to as 'a gentleman' and 'one of a dying breed' by Green Space, a charity for the elderly and disabled.

He accepted he needed help and did not seek to minimise or excuse his behaviour. McGarrell was waiting for an appointment at an alcohol clinic and was going to be referred for intensive rehabilitation. When not abusing drink, he was a respectable man who wanted to put his problems behind him.