A MAN who grabbed his partner by the throat and threw her to one side told police it was 'only a domestic'.

Blackburn magistrates heard the couple's three-year-old child witnessed the incident and was extremely upset.

Stephen William Gormon, 27, of Heys Lane, Darwen, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour. He was fined £120 with £65 costs. David Macro, prosecuting, said officers saw Gormon and his partner arguing in Duckworth Street. They saw Gormon grab the female by the throat and throw her sideways. The child was upset and crying. She did not want to make a formal complaint of assault. Kevin Preston, defending, said Gormon's partner was far from impressed with his behaviour, which was as a result of drink.