A YOUNG dad who planned a romantic night in with his girlfriend ended up throwing flowers and a curry at her - closely followed by furniture and ornaments.

Burnley Crown Court heard how William Esdale, 30, threatened to kill the woman, said he wanted to gouge her eyes out and twice threw her to the ground. He then announced to his ex-girlfriend, who had come to calm him down, that he had beaten his victim to a pulp and trashed her house.

Father- of-two Esdale, of Warwick Close, Accrington, who has previous convictions for violence, was jailed for 12 months, after admitting affray and assault causing actual bodily harm.

Judge Raymond Bennett said: "Women are entitled to be protected from men who behave the way you did."

John O'Shea, prosecuting, said Esdale and his then partner lived together and she had taken her daughter and the defendant's son out. When she returned, the defendant had planned a romantic evening, but just flipped.

He threw flowers and a curry towards her, turned over a bed and flung furniture and ornaments across the room.

Esdale told the complainant: "You are not getting out of here alive," threatened to gouge her eyes, smashed a table across her head and slapped her. He then followed her upstairs and head butted her in front of the sobbing children. Mr O'Shea said Esdale then walked out, returned, was abusive and left again with his girlfriend following. He grabbed hold of her hair and twice threw her to the ground.

At this point, the defendant's former girlfriend came on the scene and tried to calm him down. Police arrived and the complainant was found to have suffered swelling and bruising.

Sharon Watson, defending, said Esdale was aware he had a problem with violence and alcohol and was willing and able to address it. He had been in custody 112 days and was no longer in contact with the victim. He regretted his actions and knew his behaviour was wholly unacceptable.

He wanted to rebuild his life and his relationship with his children. He was their sole carer for five years and had been devoted to them.

Miss Watson added Esdale had a home he could return to and a mother who was willing to support him.

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