A ROOFING labourer who beat up his estranged partner after an affair jibe on Boxing Day left her injured and in pain, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how father-of-two William Monaghan, 45, was said to have punched and kicked victim Joanne Monk, dragged her by the hair and thrown her clothes at her.

Monaghan claimed he had been trying to throw her out of his bedsit and fell on top of her.

Monaghan, of Skipton Road, Colne, admitted assault and was given conditional bail. His case was adjourned for a trial over the facts after the bench said there were great differences between the prosecution and defence version of events.

Emma Keogh, prosecuting, said the defendant and victim had spent Christmas together and went around a number of pubs in Colne.

They returned to Monaghan's property with a pizza at 11.30pm, rowed and he spat in her face and screamed at her to get out. Miss Monk had taken her trousers off because she was spilling her supper and was reluctant to leave.

Monaghan dragged his partner off the settee and punched and kicked her. He then threw his estranged partner's handbag at her and Miss Monk grabbed her phone and rang the police.

Mrs Keogh said Monaghan pulled her head back and Miss Monk, who was covering her face with her hands, was in shock and pain and her body was aching all over. He then threw her trousers at her, swore and left her dazed.

Miss Monk suffered bruising, cuts and swelling, muscle and tissue damage and clumps of her hair were missing. Monaghan had 25 previous convictions.

Brian Irlam, defending, said both Monaghan and Miss Monk had been drinking all day and she refused to leave his property.

He accepted he grabbed her arms trying to remove her from the premises and he fell on top of her.

The defendant denied punching and kicking the victim and did not believe his actions amounted to assault.

Mr Irlam told the court the couple, who were both volatile, split up last April. Miss Monk had taken off her trousers as it was anticipated they would be spending the rest of the evening together.

Miss Monk had accused her estanged partner of having an affair with a barmaid, he denied any association but Miss Monk was berating him. He was constantly asking her to leave, but she refused.

Mr Irlam added the defendant was shocked and ashamed over what took place. He accepted the relationship was at an end.