POLICE called to a domestic disturbance found Ian Keegan throttling his partner as he threw her around the kitchen, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard there was a large amount of blood on the floor and the worktops and as the officers entered they saw Keegan punch Olwyn Page full in the face, causing blood to spurt from her nose.

But the court was told, despite the ferocity of the attack, the couple were now reconciled and living happily together.

Keegan, 31, of Rothesay Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to three offences of assault on police officers which had been left over after a charge of affray had been dealt with at the Crown Court.

Keegan was made subject to a community service order at the Crown Court and the magistrates imposed no separate penalty after hearing the judge had indicated that he would not have altered his sentence if all matters had been before him.

Lisa Worsley, prosecuting, said police were called to the address in Rothesay Road following a report of domestic violence. Olwyn Page told them that Keegan had just left the house after assaulting her. The officers left but were called back half an hour later.

As one officer got out of his car he heard a woman screaming from inside the house and when he and two colleagues got inside they were greeted by the sight of Keegan holding Miss Page by the neck. After punching her in the face he again got hold of her throat and appeared to be trying to throttle her.

One officer drew his baton and struck Keegan who then "growled" abuse at the officers.

He punched one officer in the face and grabbed another round the throat.