A BURLY man who was said to have kicked his partner out of bed subjected her to 10 hours of violence leaving her cut and bruised.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Mark Kinder, 34, punched Heather Williams in the nose, hit and slapped her and even though he had been attending a domestic violence group, he may have been "using it for his own purposes."

Kinder was jailed for nine months after admitting assault. He was told by a judge what he had done was serious and unacceptable and he had not learned his lesson.

Recorder David Boulton said Kinder had earlier been put on probation for 12 months

Kinder, of Atlas Road, Darwen, admitted assault.

Michael Lavery, prosecuting, said the defendant and Miss Williams had been in a relationship and he had started to demonstrate aggression and violence.

Last August, she and Kinder had talks to clear the air and he later went to the complainant's home, under the influence of drink and became abusive. Miss Williams' little girl was frightened.

He returned to the house when the child had gone to bed, grabbing Miss Williams' chin and shoving her backwards, causing her to bang her head. He also made threats, punched and slapped her. He then insisted they go to bed, punched her in the nose and kicked her out.

Mr Lavery said in the early hours, the defendant put his hands around Miss Wiilliams' throat until she could hardly breathe and she felt she was losing consciousness. He then fell asleep until later when the onslaught began again.

Miss Williams later went to hospital, after being subjected to violence over 10 hours.

Anthony Cross, defending, said it was wrong to suggest the offence lasted 10 hours.

He said if Kinder was incarcerated, he would lose his job and would not be able to pay maintenance for two boys.