A MAN beat up his partner a third time after they rowed about the dog but she wanted him back, a court heard.

Simon Clark, 24, and his girlfriend of six years, Michelle Green, had been on pre-booked holiday together since and had such a good time they had decided they wanted to be back together, Burnley magistrates were told.

Clark was said to have pinned his partner on the bed by her throat and punched her in the early hours attack. He then fell asleep and Miss Green escaped and called the police.

The defendant, of Selkirk Street, Burnley, admitted common assault on April 24. He was given three months' jail suspended for two years, with 24 months' supervision and the domestic violence programme. He must pay £65 costs.

David Hartley, prosecuting, said the defendant and victim had been out with friends, returned home and rowed.

Clark dragged Miss Green up the stairs by her hair and pinned her down on the bed. He then punched her a few times.

Miss Green suffered a lump on her forehead, bruises and swelling and scratches to her neck. Clark was arrested and told officers the victim "got a slap" the time before because she had a knife. The defendant had previous convictions for battery and assault.

Mark Williams, defending, said Clark accepted he slapped Miss Green and pushed her around the neck but did not throttle her.

They had argued over whether the dog should be put out. He slapped her and went to bed and that was the end of it as far as he was concerned.

Miss Green had not wanted the case to continue and the pair had been on holiday. It was successful and there were no problems.

Mr Williams went on: "It's quite clear from the actions of the aggrieved she does want the relationship to continue. She does want to have him back home as soon as possible."

The solicitor added: "The defendant accepts this sort of behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated and is wholly inappropriate."