A SELF-confessed alcoholic asked magistrates to keep him in custody rather than give him bail so he could beat the drink.

And after three weeks in jail Mark Murray, 39, of Fishmoor Drive, Blackburn, was told to undertake an alcohol misuse programme and have regular meetings with addiction charity THOMAS.

Murray was also given a two-year community order including supervision with a domestic violence programme after pleading guilty to assaulting his partner and throwing a brick through her window.

Hyndburn magistrates heard how the Murray had slapped his girlfriend, Caroline Holt, after drinking heavily at a party on New Year's Day. He returned the next day and threw a brick through the kitchen window to gain entry, said Phillipa White, prosecuting.

Roger Pickles, defending, said: "My client does not recall the assault or the window being smashed. He knows he has a drinking problem and asked specifically not to be given bail. He is ashamed of what he has done."

The chairman of the bench, Michael Heaton, added: "It is entirely up to you now Mr Murray. If you breach any of your conditions you will almost certainly be going to prison."

Murray was also ordered to pay £250 compensation to Miss Holt to repair the window.