A TEMPESTUOUS relationship turned sour when a man flipped and caused almost £1,500 of damage in his partner's bedroom.

Burnley magistrates heard how James Richard Crossley, 44, pulled a fitted wardrobe from the wall, threw a shoe at frightened Elaine Lloyd and picked up and threw everything else he could find, including a television.

The fitted unit landed on Ms Lloyd's leg. She phoned police while Crossley continued to throw things and a window was smashed.

Crossley, of North Valley Road, Colne, admitted affray on January 17, and was conditionally discharged for 12 months. He must pay £1,468 compensation and £55 costs.

Bill Maude, prosecuting, said Ms Lloyd and the defendant had had an "on-off relationship," they had rowed in the past, but Crossley had never actually caused her any physical harm. The complainant returned to the house after attending to her elderly mother. Crossley complained she wasn't paying him enough attention, went out, had a couple of pints and when he returned Ms Lloyd told him she was going to bed. Crossley followed her into the bedroom, started throwing things and pulled the wardrobe off the wall.

When police arrived Crossley was arrested. Almost everything in Ms Lloyd's bedroom had been damaged. Ms Lloyd was frightened by the defendant's behaviour and wanted him keeping away from her.

Trevor Grice, defending, said Crossley had no previous convictions, was not a drinker, didn't abuse drugs, and worked hard. He was not of a violent or criminal propensity.

Crossley had cleaned the house after a party for the aggrieved's mother, but Ms Lloyd had found fault with it.

The defendant left the house to cool off and had a couple of drinks.

Crossley, a permanent night shift worker, "flipped" after she abused him and threatened to call police.

Mr Grice said the incident was isolated and the defendant showed genuine remorse. He still professed love for Ms Lloyd but had tried to keep away, but she had repeatedly rung him on his mobile telephone.

Two days before the case, she had phoned, telling him to "watch his back."

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