A MAN who attacked his former partner in his car said he wouldn't do it again -- but told her she had deserved it.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Jason Bradbury, 36, of Chiltern Avenue, Burnley, carried on driving with one hand while hitting barmaid Sarah Pickton with the other after a row over a mobile telephone.

She suffered scratches and bruises and was so frightened of what was happening to her she leapt from the car as it was still moving.

Bradbury admitted assault by beating on December 1, 2004.

He was given a 12-month community rehabilitation order, with 80 hours community punishment, £100 compensation and £30 costs.

Bill Maude, prosecuting, told the court the defendant picked up the victim from the pub where she worked at about 10.30pm. They had some kind of dispute over her mobile phone, he added.

Mr Maude said Miss Pickton got into Bradbury's car and on the journey the defendant started hitting her around the head.

When they reached Worsthorne, Bradbury stopped striking the victim and told her he would not do it again, but that she had deserved it, Mr Maude added.