A 29-YEAR-OLD man took his partner's face in a "claw like" grip and squeezed until his fingernails pierced her skin during a row in her car.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Alison Hudson repeatedly sounded the horn as she struggled to escape from Faisal Alsagir.

The noise brought a woman out of her house and Mrs Hudson was able to seek sanctuary there after escaping from the car.

Alsagir, 29, of Sawley Avenue, Simonstone, Burnley, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mrs Hudson. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £75 costs.

Elizabeth Reed, prosecuting, said Mrs Hudson had gone to pick Alsagir up from work at about 11.30 pm. He was driving the car and made allegations about her having an affair.

"When they got to his address in Hollin Bridge Street, she said she was going home," said Mrs Reed.

"He began to swear in Arabic and then grabbed her face in his right hand. She says he twisted his hand into a claw shape and gripped around her mouth and nose.

"Mrs Hudson was screaming at him to let go but he refused."

Mrs Reed said Mrs Hudson suffered bruising to her nose, her lips were swollen and there were scratch marks on her cheeks.

"The defendant accepted that he put his hand over her mouth and due to the pressure he had exerted punctured her face with his nails," added Mrs Reed.

Alsagir had been deported to Libya but had subsequently been returned to the UK. Mrs Reed said he had been spoken to by the immigration authorities since his arrest.

"I understand it is not now the case that he will be deported," she added.

Robin Phoenix, defending, said Mrs Hudson had attended court.

"There are difficulties to be overcome but there is a willingness on both sides to resume their relationship."