A VIOLENT man repeatedly punched his partner as she lay in bed, flying into a rage after claiming she had thrown tissues.

And after she told Christopher Larkin that she would call police, he threatened to kill her and her mother.

Adam White, prosecuting, told Bolton Crown Court that Larkin and his victim had been in a relationship for 10 years and have a four-year-old daughter together.

On October 11 last year Larkin had stayed at their home when the child told him she had cut her finger.

When her mother could not find any plasters for the "scratch" she produced some toilet tissue, which Larkin claims she threw, before heading back to bed.

"The defendant followed her and climbed on top of her before punching her," said Mr White.

"She attempted to cover her face but made no attempt to fight back because she was sacred it would only make things worse.

"He then pulled her out of bed and onto the floor and she lay there as he continued to rain blows down upon her."

The attack ended after several minutes, leaving her with a bruised shoulder and arm and around an eye.

In a victim statement the woman said she was terrified about what Larkin might do to her.

"She says that he is a dangerous individual and needs help with his mental health problems," said Mr White.

Larkin, aged 32, of St Helens Road, Bolton, pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm.

The court heard that he has a substantial criminal record for offences including robbery and several domestic assaults.

But Andrew Marsh, defending, said that since the incident Larkin's relationship with the woman has improved, he is seeking assistance for his problems and plans to volunteer with an organisation warning schoolchildren or the dangers of drugs.

Recorder Ciaran Rankin sentenced Larkin to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, ordered him to participate in 120 hours of unpaid work and he must participate in 10 days of rehabilitation activities and a building better relationships programme.

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