A 25-year-old Blackburn man punched his eight months pregnant girlfriend in a row over the bed covers, a court heard.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Andrew Johnstone was precluded from being at his partner's home by bail conditions imposed following an incident when he kicked in a door.

Johnstone, 25, of Mulberry Walk, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Joanne Smith and criminal damage. He was jailed for 180 days, suspended for two years.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Miss Smith said the relationship with Johnstone had become "violent" over the past two years. She said his mood changed when he took drugs which often resulted in him having excess energy.

"On the night of this incident she came home from her mother's at 10.30pm and found him cleaning up," said Miss Allan. She said Miss Smith went to bed but was woken by Johnstone asking for money for tobacco. He returned later and a row started when he climbed into bed with her.