A DRUNKEN man who beat up his girlfriend told police if she didn't like being assaulted, she would have left him.

Burnley Crown Court heard Christian Camilleri, 27, had "slapped her around," pulled her hair and called her ugly during the 10 minute attack.

The defendantdescribed his relationship with Kathryn Thomas as "abusive."

He also tried to attack a 58 year-old man he claimed he had been fighting with with a screwdriver, causing him abrasions to his face and the back of his head.

Sentencing him, Judge Raymond Bennett said although the defendant's relationship with Miss Thomas was said to be stormy, it was no excuse for beating her up.

Camilleri, of Calder Close, Nelson, had earlier admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and common assault. He was jailed for a total of 12 months.

Bunty Batra, prosecuting, said Camilleri had been drinking, became argumentative and irritable and had a row with Miss Thomas, his girlfriend of nine months.

He suddenly kicked and punched her, pushed her onto a bed, pulled her hair and bit her.

He also stamped on her back with his shoes on -- and then asked her to go to the shops with him to get some cigarettes.

Mr Batra said as the defendant was inside the shop, Miss Thomas escaped and went to her sister's in a taxi to seek refuge.

The complainant suffered bruises to her head, face, neck, back and legs and sore ribs.

Jeremy Lasker, defending, said the offences were unpleasant and serious and both crossed the custody threshold. The second assault was committed whileon bail and in breach of bail conditions.

Camilleri described his relationship with Miss Thomas as abusive and they would fight when he got drunk. He would grasp any assistance that was on offer to help.

He had been in custody from June 4 until the end of August, had a taste of prison and for a man of good character that was significant punishment. He had served the equivalent of a six months sentence.

Mr Lasker added the defendant was regarded as suitable for the domestic violence prevention scheme.

Since he had been on bail there had been no further trouble between he and Miss Thomas.