A 32-YEAR-OLD man who stormed out of the family home after slapping his wife during a row daubed an offensive word in paint on her car and let down all the tyres.

Blackburn magistrates heard Peter Hayhurst then smashed all the windows of the car causing a total of £1,000 worth of damage.

The court was told Sarah Cappello responded by taking a broom and attacking his van, smashing the windscreen.

He got out of the van and punched her in the face before driving off.

Hayhurst, of Hodder Bridge Court, Chipping Road, Chaigley, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to assaulting Sarah Cappello, damaging her car, driving with excess alcohol, without insurance and other than in accordance with a licence.

He was sentenced to six months in prison suspended for 12 months, made subject to community supervision for 12 months, ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work, banned from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 costs.

Philippa White, prosecuting, said much of the protracted incident was witnessed by the couple’s 14-year-old daughter.

Liz Parker, defending, said the couple had argued after he had been drinking at a family birthday party.

“Rather than continue the argument he left the house and went to sleep in his van,” said Mrs Parker.

“They continued the argument by text message and when he got home he got his things to leave.

"There was considerable emotion in the house and he accepts that as he left he damaged the car windows.”