A MAN who attacked his partner in bed, punching her in the face and breaking her jaw, has been spared an immediate jail sentence.

Bolton Crown Court heard how Allan Johnston's three year relationship with his partner had been "volatile".

They had met when they both worked for a window company in Westhoughton and, in March, 2016, their daughter was born.

Paul Hodgkinson, prosecuting, told how, during the pregnancy, the relationship began to deteriorate with 35-year-old Johnston verbally abusing his partner, physically assaulting her and, on one occasion, punching her in the stomach.

In just last year they separated but, Judge Graeme Smith heard, that in June this year the relationship rekindled.

However, on June 24, police were called after they got into an argument on a night out.

"The complainant was so scared that she ran away," said Mr Hodgkinson.

Johnston chased her down the street, threw her handbag over a fence and followed her to her car.

Concerned neighbours came out to help and called police.

Mr Hodgkinson said that no charges were brought but the woman was sent for counselling.

During a session she revealed that on June 1, the day the relationship resumed, they went back to her home in Westhoughton and went to bed.

But during the night they began to argue.

"The defendant stood up and walked around the bed. He leant down and punched her to the chin, breaking her jaw," said Mr Hodgkinson.

Johnston, who works as a garage door fitter, took his partner to hospital where she needed surgery to insert metal plates.

While in hospital Johnston sent her a series of text messages.

"It was a subtle way of asking what had been told to the medical staff and the Crown would say he was concerned for his own welfare," said Mr Hodgkinson.

Johnston was arrested, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and was remanded in prison while awaiting sentence.

Judge Smith was told that Johnston, who appeared in court via a video link from jail, has previous convictions for assaults but has never served a custodial prison sentence.

Nicholas Ross, defending, said: "The defendant is a working man for whom this is the first time in prison. It has been a salutory lesson."

He stressed that the assault had not been premeditated and it was a single blow.

"His is profoundly remorseful," said Mr Ross, who added that Johnston is a carer for his disabled mother.

"He feels extremely guilty and so he should. It was despicable violence against a female."

Mr Ross said that Johnston, a father-of-three, would welcome help with his binge drinking and relationship issues.

In a letter to the judge, Johnston's partner claimed she had provoked Johnston into attacking her, but Judge Smith told her: "That is wrong."

Johnston, of Poplar Avenue, Horwich, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. He must also participate in 20 days of rehabilitation activities and 30 sessions of a building better relationships programme.