A PROFESSIONAL boxer who wanted his estranged partner to go back to him ended up smashing her cheek instead.

Burnley Crown Court heard Colin McCash, 26, punched his former girlfriend of two and a half years Karen Bottomley, inflicting a fracture when they met up again possibly to reconcile.

He then took the injured woman to hospital.

McCash was jailed for 14 months by Judge Raymond Bennett, who told him his behaviour had been dreadful - even in the heat of the moment. The judge said he had considered passing a longer than normal sentence.

The judge added he accepted the defendant was ashamed of what he did and was immediately sorry for his actions. Judge Bennett told McCash the fact he had pleaded guilty was in his favour, but he had a history of violence with four offences behind him - more, if threatening behaviour and disorderly conduct were taken into account.

He continued: "Maybe you have had a difficult time in your earlier life. I accept that. Most people standing where you are have had a difficult time earlier in life and I have to bear that in mind.

"But you can't go punching a woman, especially when you know how to punch, as you do."

Judge Bennett said he had had to consider whether or not to pass a longer than normal sentence but he was not going to "on this occasion."

The judge warned the defendant if he appeared before the court again for an offence of violence, a judge would not be able to exercise, or may find it difficult to exercise, that discretion.

Judge Bennett added by "longer than a normal sentence", he meant "doubling up," on a prison term.

He went on: "Think before you act. It might save you a lot of time, difficulty, trouble and hurt to other people and yourself."

The judge revoked a community rehabilitation order the defendant was currently subject to.

McCash, of Oakdene Avenue, Huncoat, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm in January.

Mark Stuart, defending, told the court many men who had done what McCash did, did not have the guts to own up. He had spared the victim the trauma of having to attend court and give evidence.