A MAN who launched a "disgraceful" attack on his partner has avoided being sent to jail -- after the woman asked for a non- custodial sentence.

Preston Crown Court heard that Audrey Kenyon was repeatedly punched on the head and face by Richard Biggs. But she feared being left home alone if he was given prison for the assault.

Judge Christopher Cornwall told the defendant "There is no point in making a prison sentence, if the victim suffers to a greater extent when she has already suffered as a result of the crime itself."

He said she was clearly dependant on Biggs to a very considerable extent.

But in making a two-year community rehabilitation order, the judge stressed that any breach of the court order would result in six months jail.

He told Biggs regarding Mrs Kenyon "You owe her a very considerable debt of gratitude".

The 48-year-old, of Chester Close, Blackburn, appeared for sentence on a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The court heard that the two had had a relationship for four and a half years and lived together from Christmas, 2002.

The source of trouble which occurred on July 11 last year may have been her sending away a friend of Biggs the previous day, saying he was not available for work, said Mr Mark Lamberty, prosecuting.

The following night he shouted at her at the home and began to be violent, pushing her and she fell onto the settee.

Mr Lamberty said "He punched her about the head and face repeatedly. He held her hair with his left hand and punched her with his right. She said in a statement that he behaved like a lunatic."

Miss Clare Thomas, defending, said it appeared that Mrs Kenyon did not like being apart from Biggs for any period of time. It seemed he was, in effect, her crutch.