A MAN who headbutted his former partner after a row at his parents' home has been given a chance to stay out of trouble.

At Bolton Crown Court Lucas Hughes was facing sentence after admitting causing his ex-girlfriend actual bodily harm.

Eleanor Gleeson, prosecuting, told Judge Timothy Stead how, on January 12, the woman had visited the home where 22-year-old Hughes lives with his parents to discuss childcare arrangements.

The couple have a young son but their three year relationship had become volatile and ended in November last year.

But the court heard that during the visit an argument broke out.

Even though she had not put her shoes on, Hughes pushed her out of the front door, causing her to fall.

And when she stood up, she slapped him across the face.

"He grabbed my shoulders with both hands," the woman later told police, adding that Hughes then pulled her hair and headbutted her.

Miss Gleeson said that the woman was left with a black eye and blurred vision for a short time.

In a victim statement the woman said: "I believe Lucas does this to me on purpose to try and upset me."

At the time Hughes, of Sandown Crescent, Little Lever, was subject to a suspended prison sentence imposed on February 12 last year after he was convicted of theft.

Judge Timothy Stead was told that Hughes, has six previous convictions, although none for violence.

He admitted assaulting the woman but said he did not intend to cause injury.

After hearing evidence from Kelly Cyples, defending, Judge Stead opted to defer sentencing Hughes until March 1 next year to give him an opportunity to prove he can act responsibly and not commit any further offences.