A DISTRAUGHT father-of-two attacked his ex-partner after she went for a day out in Blackpool with his best friend.

Burnley Magistrates heard how jobless Brent Neiberle, 36, grabbed her by the throat because he believed she had deceived him and concealed her friendship with the man.

Neiberle, who had been drinking, struck as their two toddler children were in the house and when police arrived both she and the youngsters were upset, the court was told.

The defendant, of Fairfield Avenue, Waterfoot, admitted assault on August 9.

He was bailed until September 12, for a pre-sentence report and must not go within 100 metres of Crabtree Avenue, Waterfoot. The bench said they were looking at a medium community penalty.

Elizabeth Reed, prosecuting, told the court Miss Jarrett and the defendant had been together six years, had two children, and split up in January.

She allowed him access to her house to do his washing and to see the children. Miss Jarrett returned at about 5.45pm after a day out with her children and Neiberle was there. He started arguing with her about the fact she had been on the trip with a mutual friend.

Mrs Reed said the defendant pushed her, threatened to kill her, grabbed her tightly around the throat and tried to push her towards the kitchen wall. He then let go and left the house. The victim left with the two children and went to her mother's.

She said after the assault both the children, aged three and two, were upset and Miss Jarrett had a red neck.

Neiberle was arrested and interviewed. He said he had been upset when he found out she had gone out with the friend and he had not known if they were having a relationship.

He told officers he had had hold of the victim for about five seconds and it was totally unnecessary. He had let go of her when he realised what he was doing. He said he was sorry.

Brian Walsh, defending, said Neiberle had not been in trouble for five years, this was only his second conviction for violence and his behaviour was out of character.

The defendant and victim had still had a close relationship and he was given a free run of the house. It was arranged he would be there whilst she went to Blackpool with a female friend. He discovered she had gone with a man friend.

Mr Walsh added the defendant thought his ex had been deceitful in concealing her friendship with his friend.