AN "angry" married man attacked his lover in a row over just 10p, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Steven Waring, 41, hit Nicola Taylor, with whom he'd had a two-and-a-half-year on-off' affair, in the argument over a taxi fare.

Waring, who would have lost his job at a stationery firm even if he had received a suspended jail sentence, was given a 12- month community order with 120 hours unpaid work and must pay £1,500 compensation.

The defendant, of Langdale Road, Padiham, admitted common assault.

Sentencing, Recorder Mark Laprell said his behaviour had been disgraceful, but he thought it would be disproportionate if Waring lost his job.

The court was told Miss Taylor and the defendant had been on separate nights out, met up with each other in the early hours and shared a taxi.

The victim and her friends contributed £5, but Waring got upset and said she was not getting out until she had paid.

He then barged into Miss Taylor's house, started "going mad" and £4.90 was handed over. Waring insisted he was owed 10p and said if the victim did not hand it over, he would call the police.

Miss Taylor gave Waring 10p, told him to get out of her house and he punched her in the mouth. He then left in the taxi, grinning as he went.

The victim was out cold for some time and suffered pain in her back.

She suffered bleeding from the mouth and a gash inside her lip, bruising and swelling. She needed two weeks off work because of back problems.

When arrested, Waring claimed there had been a heated argument, he was attacked by Miss Taylor and he had pushed her in self-defence.

Tim Brennand, defending, said Waring and Miss Taylor had been having a physical relationship.

He hit her once, lashing out so she fell to the floor. Waring had convictions before he was married, but had now settled down and was a family man.

It had been embarrassing for the defendant to come to terms with the fact that he behaved in that way.

"He thought the victim and her friends were taking advantage of him, expecting him to pay for the taxi. He behaved in an inappropriate, immature and volatile way. It was one blow, not sustained and there was no premeditation.

The barrister added that Waring would lose his job if he went to jail and even a suspended sentence would mean dismissal. His family would also suffer.