A DANGEROUS ex-convict who "smashed up" his girlfriend's spleen in a terror attack has been jailed for life.

Andrew Hale, 33, already had convictions for wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm, grievous bodily harm and robbery when he set about Isabel Mitchell, kicking her repeatedly in the stomach and hitting her.

Hale left his victim lying in "excruciating pain" throughout the night and all the next day until he eventually decided she needed help- and handed her the phone, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Sentencing him, Judge Raymond Bennett said he was obliged by law to pass a life sentence unless there were exceptional circumstances as the defendant was over 18 and it was his second conviction for wounding with intent..There could be no grounds on which he could find exceptional circumstances.

He said Hale was a danger to others when he was angry and had been drinking although he hoped in time he would be able to learn how to deal with it.

Judge Bennett added had he not had to impose the mandatory life term, he would have sent Hale to prison for seven years.

Hale, of Crawford Street, Nelson, had earlier admitted wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm, on January 15.

Neil Standage, prosecuting, said the defendant and Miss Mitchell had been at home , both had been drinking and a row had erupted over money and who paid the bills. Hale kicked his partner a number of times in the stomach and hit her about the head and body.

He then took her on a "bear hug," and carried the terrified woman upstairs as she suffered excruciating pain.

Miss Mitchell was eventually taken to hospital just after 5pm the next day. She had to undergo exploratory surgery and was found to have suffered a ruptured spleen. A doctor described her spleen as being "completely smashed up," and said it was consistent with repeated trauma.

Mr Standage said the victim, who still suffered flashbacks and was scared after her ordeal, had to have antibiotics for two years and immunisation against infection.

Gordon Hennell, defending, said Hale showed signs of being "visibly distraught," when he spoke about what happened and made no attempt to minimise or excuse his behaviour.