A 22-YEAR-OLD Clitheroe man punched, head butted and kicked his partner during a Christmas Day domestic attack, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that when Carly Miller complained that she felt dizzy Paul Laycock slapped her on the other side of her face and said: "That should sort it out."

But the court was told that despite the ferocity of the attack Miss Miller had instigated a reconciliation which was now complete.

Laycock, of Whalley Road, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to assaulting Carly Miller. He was made subject to a community rehabilitation order for 18 months with a condition that the probation service address anger management. He was ordered to pay £60 costs.

The court heard that early in the argument Laycock had broken his games consol in a fit of temper and said he needed to break something belonging to Miss Miller.

"At that stage he went outside and took hold of the cat by the throat," said Neil White, prosecuting. "Fortunately it was not harmed."

Mr White said the altercation started on Christmas Day and in the first flare up he slapped Miss Miller a couple of times and then head butted her. Michael Blacklidge, defending, said his client had shown considerable contrition and remorse.

He said that unknown to the defendant Miss Miller had contacted the police and the court and attended court on January 9 to ask for bail conditions to be removed so they could resume living together.