A MENTALLY ill man who attacked his girlfriend three times told her she had been lucky as he had wanted to kick her face in.

Burnley Magistrates were told David Thorpe, 36, cut off Julie Nicholson's hair and punched her, but told police it was only a tap. The third time he struck, he left her with blood running down her face and may have set on her because the pubs were shutting.

Thorpe of Albion Street, Brierfield, admitted three counts of assault causing bodily harm and one of theft. He was given a two year community rehabilitation order and must accept psychiatric treatment.

Thorpe must also pay £200 compensation and £75 costs.

Carolyn Jones, prosecuting, said Miss Nicholson and the defendant had had a relationship for two years. A lot of rows had led to violence.

Last March, Miss Nicholson had moved house. Thorpe turned up, was snarling and began attacking her.

She was knocked to the floor, kicked around the head and was shouting he should be at home because he needed his medicine.

Miss Nicholson was bleeding from her nose and mouth and was seen by police cowering and injured.

The defendant told police his victim had been lucky as he had wanted to kick her in the face.

Thorpe made threats to Miss Nicholson for six months, armed himself with a knife, said he was going to petrol bomb her and then cut off some of her hair.

Mrs Jones said two months later, the couple were in the town centre and as they went to get a taxi, Thorpe kicked his girlfriend.

Miss Nicholson thought he had done it because the pubs were closing. The defendant then lashed out and struck her.

Miss Nicholson had blood running down her face and fell to the ground as Thorpe thumped her.

Geoff Ireland, defending, said Thorpe and Miss Nicholson were still in a relationship. He had a history of mental illness.