A MAN who attacked his partner told police she had been set on by somebody while out looking for heroin, a court was told.

Burnley Crown Court heard that Carl Houghton, 39, kicked victim Kathleen Seddon in the stomach.

Jailing him for six months, Judge Raymond Bennett said kicking someone on the ground was serious and there was far too much of it.

Houghton, of Kay Street, Darwen, had been convicted by a jury of assault, causing actual bodily harm.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said the victim and defendant had had a row. When she picked up a dog lead, Houghton lunged at her. She fell and Houghton kicked her in the stomach with a booted foot and punched her in the mouth.

Miss Seddon was crying and some time after midnight went to the house of a neighbour and asked him to ring an ambulance and the police.

Arthur Stuttard, defending, said both Houghton and the complainant had a drink problem.