AN argument over a chicken supper escalated and ended with a woman in hospital and her partner in police cells, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Janet Westwell could not see because of blood streaming down her face after she was punched above the eye by Stephen Bell.

And she said another punch made her feel as though her nose had been "spread across my face".

Bell, 25, formerly of Unity Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Miss Westwell causing her actual bodily harm and was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Joanne Close, prosecuting, said the couple were at home drinking cider on the night of the incident. At about 11pm they were in the kitchen when an argument started over a piece of chicken they were having for supper.

"That escalated and there was a struggle during which some crockery was broken," said Mrs Close.

Roger Pickles, defending, said his client was horrified by what he had done and deeply ashamed.

"He says the glass ornament was coming for him and not to break the window," said Mr Pickles. "He probably deserved that given what he had done."

He said the relationship was over and there was no contact between the couple.