A "wife-beater" who struck for the third time against his partner is behind bars but she wants him home, a court was told.

Martin Holden, 36, who had been attending a domestic violence programme, attacked Jacqueline Tate in the early hours of New Year's Day, a month after he had been given a suspended jail term for assaulting her.

Holden had dragged the victim out of bed by her hair, punched her in the face and body and stuffed a sock in her mouth so nobody could hear her scream.

Miss Tate, his girlfriend of about two years, was later found to have injuries including two smashed ribs, but the defendant claimed she had been earlier been attacked by her father, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Holden, of Bolton Road, Blackburn, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and had been committed for sentence by magistrates. He was given 12 months in prison, to be served after 72 days from the suspended sentence. He must also serve two years extended licence.

Judge Michael Byrne, who had read a letter from Miss Tate to Holden, told the defendant he was a significant risk to members of the public and the courts would not stand by and tolerate domestic violence.

John Beggs, prosecuting, said Holden dragged Miss Tate out of bed by her hair and hit her repeatedly. She began screaming and the defendant grabbed her throat and pushed a sock in her mouth.

Miss Tate was on the floor and Holden started to kick her. He then went to the toilet and she ran from the house and to a neighbour's home for help.

Mr Beggs said police were called and found Miss Tate with a black eye, holding her ribs and distraught. She was taken to hospital, where X-rays revealed two broken ribs.

The prosecutor said a month before the latest attack, Holden had been given a 150 day jail term, suspended for two years after repeatedly punching Miss Tate and leaving her with a bloody nose.

Martin Hackett, defending, said Holden had not been to prison before.

It seemed alcohol was the root of the defendant's problems. He recognised he had a difficulty and wanted to deal with it.