A JILTED boyfriend was fuming in a jealous rage when he found a naked man in the bed of a woman he still thought was his girlfriend.

Burnley magistrates heard how Warren Lyons, 27, smashed the man's nose after finding him at the home of his next-door-but-one neighbour Lisa Waterworth.

The defendant, who thought he and Miss Waterworth would get back together, was angry and frustrated when he punched his perceived love rival three or four times.

Lyons, of Fox Street, Burnley, was fined £100, with £400 compensation, and £65 costs. He admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said the defendant and Miss Waterworth split up about two weeks ago after a six-month relationship, but she still did his washing.

He was still allowed access to her house and on February 11, she was at home drinking with a platonic friend and the morning after she left for work leaving the friend in bed. Some time later the complainant heard the postman knocking, but couldn't be bothered to get up.

Lyons heard the postman, went to let himself in at Miss Waterworth's and found the aggrieved still in bed. He left, but returned and struck him several times, breaking his nose. Mr Robinson said Lyons told police he was 'fuming' and thought there was still a chance of the relationship being resurrected. He had no previous convictions. Trevor Grice, defending, said Lyons and Miss Waterworth had a serious relationship and effectively lived together. A week before they had argued, but there had been contact between the two during the week and Miss Waterworth had told the defendant that she loved him and missed him. He was hopeful they would get back together.

Lyons had hoped to take Miss Waterworth out the evening before the assault, but she had told him she was having a 'girls night in.' He went to get the letter from the postman, went upstairs and found the victim naked in Miss Waterworth's bed.

Mr Grice said while the prosecution claimed the relationship between Miss Waterworth and the complainant was platonic, 'some encounter' had taken place.

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