A DISABLED man attacked his partner when he 'exploded' after a bad year, magistrates heard.

David Taylor, 64, threatened to kill Dawn Bradley and hit her several times, causing her to fall to the floor. She told him to pack his bags and get out but the couple were still together, the court was told.

Taylor, of Blackburn Road, Haslingden, admitted assault by beating at Burnley Magistrates Court. He was given a two year conditional discharge by the bench - and the chairman admitted he had never imposed one before for domestic violence.

He told the defendant: "Don't see it as weak. See it as putting the ball in your court, an opportunity to show you are not going to do this again." Taylor must also pay £50 costs.

Andrew Creswell, prosecuting, told the court the defendant and victim argued after both had been drinking.

Taylor assaulted his partner and after he was told to go he punched her in the face again. Police were called and the defendant denied the offence.

The defendant, who was not represented, told the bench he and his partner had had a very bad year.

Her mother had died and he had been diagnosed with a liver complaint. An accident had also left him disabled. Taylor added he and Miss Bradley were still together. She had retracted her statement and she looked after him "24/7".