A MAN who assaulted his partner twice within a week already had a conviction on his record for assaulting the same victim.

Blackburn magistrates heard on one occasion Lucas Jack Botterill threw a punch at his partner while she was stood with his mother and on another threw a fork at her causing an injury to her shoulder.

Botterill, 29, of Selous Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to two charges of assault. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 24 months and made subject to a community order with conditions that he attends the building better relationships programme and completes 15 days rehabilitation activity requirements. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £122 victim surcharge.

Passing sentence Deputy District Judge Stuart Boyd said the courts take a dim view of violence within relationships.

"People should be able to feel safe within a relationship and these offences are aggravated by the fact you have already been before the court for an offence of violence against the same complainant," he added.

Ruby Mckeague, prosecuting, said the first assault was on June 19 when the victim was standing with the defendant's mother when he threw a punch at her face. She put her arm up to protect herself and was left with a bruise on her arm.

Five days later he was eating a pasty when he threw his fork at her causing an injury to her shoulder. She took his mobile phone, which contained her SIM card, and tried to leave after hiding the phone under a bush.

"He grabbed her by the hair and dragged her back, demanding the return of his phone," said Miss Mckeague.

"He punched her twice in the face and she told him where his phone was before running away again."

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client did not oppose the making of a restraining order.

"He accepts the relationship is over and as far as he knows his former partner is now living in the Manchester area," said Mr Taylor.