A FATHER-of-two was said to have assaulted a love rival and put fast-setting glue in the ignition of her motor scooter, Burnley magistrates heard.

Jonathon Lowry, 27, had been upset after his partner of four years, a mother of two, had started a relationship with his long-standing friend, Michelle Chappell.

He was said to have grabbed the victim’s neck and broken her necklace and to have been insulting and abusive to Ms Chappell during the incident in a park.

The court was told Lowry would say he and Ms Chappell had had a heated row when the victim was denying anything was still going on with his partner, but had a love-bite on her neck.

Jobless Lowry, of Ennismore Street, Burnley, admitted damage and assault by beating on April 30 and was given a 12 month conditional discharge.

The defendant, who sobbed throughout the hearing, had no previous convictions.

Enza Geldard, prosecuting, said the victim would say she was concerned about Lowry's behaviour and threats and tried to call the police.

He ran at her, took her phone and attempted to stamp on it as it rang. She grabbed it and he walked off, still shouting.

Mrs Geldard said when Ms Chappell got back to her scooter, she realised it had been damaged, she was unable to get it started and had to call the RAC.

Krystal Savoy, for Lowry, said: “He’s very upset and deeply regrets his actions.

"He doesn't accept he has made any threats. His relationship has very recently ended.

"They have maintained a friendly relationship and she is in court to provide her support."