A 57-year-old man who called police when his partner started smashing the house up was arrested because she complained he had slapped her across the face.

Hyndburn magistrates heard James Green took the "chivalrous" approach and refused to make a formal complaint against his partner.

But she had no such reservations and while he was arrested for assault she was charged with a breach of the peace and bound over.

Green, of Shetland Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Bridget Sculpher.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £65 costs.

Peter King, defending, said his client had refused to make a formal complaint against Miss Sculpher but his wishes were overtaken when the police kept her in custody for three days before putting her before the court for a breach of the peace.

"I would suggest a conditional discharge for him would balance out the way they have both been dealt with for this incident," added Mr King.