A FATHER-of-one assaulted his partner, spitting repeatedly in her face and kicking her as their relationship broke down, a court was told.

Electrician Paul Merriman, 32, also grabbed her wrist, trying to get back the watch he had bought her.

The court was told Merriman, of Waideshouse Road, Nelson, later claimed to police she had tried to let down the tyres on his brand new company car.

He admitted common assault, at Burnley Magistrates Court, and was bailed until May 9 for a pre-sentence report.