A DRUNKEN man headbutted his partner during a violent row, a court heard.

Jan Baig also spat in the face of Kelly Brownhill before walking out of the room and returning with a claw hammer and kitchen knives.

Baig, of Dalebank, Victoria Gardens, Atherton, wept as details of his drunken outburst were outlined to a judge.

Judge, Recorder Christopher Melton, QC, said that because Baig had immediately accepted responsibility and spent four weeks in custody on remand he would not jail Baig.

He placed him under supervision for two years on condition that he attends 27 sessions dealing with domestic abuse.

He was also told to pay £200 prosecution costs.

Jenny Kumeta, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court that, on June 26, Baig went out while Miss Brownhill, his partner of 10 years, stayed in with a friend, Sean Hook.

She said: "In the early hours of the morning, the couple began arguing. Baig walked in shouting and screaming and during an altercation, headbutted her.

"Mr Hook intervened to calm the situation and Miss Brownhill went to the bedroom to call the police. Baig followed and ripped the phone cord from the wall.

"He spat in her face twice and hit her on the left side of the face.

"He left and returned carrying kitchen knives and a claw hammer but was restrained by Mr Hook."

Miss Brownhill suffered bruising to her forehead, jaw and left arm, and bruising across her back, said Miss Kumeta.

Baig was arrested and later breached his bail conditions by approaching her and apologising.

Baig pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and harassment.

Rebbecca Hirst, defending, said that Baig has previous convictions but none for violence or harassment.