A ROW over the best way to cook spaghetti ended with a man of previous good character spending two night in the cells.

Blackburn magistrates heard James Ramsbottom pushed his wife during the argument and she fell, suffering a cut on her forehead which needed hospital treatment.

Ramsbottom, 55, of Charles Street, Great Harwood, pleaded guilty to assaulting the woman.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement, ordered to do 100 hours unpaid work and pay £800 compensation, £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Ramsbottom returned home from work at 8.30 pm and made a comment about the method of boiling spaghetti being used by her 20-year-old son who was preparing a meal for them all.

"He said work had made him very angry and the threatened to push her out of the door," said Miss Allan.

"He grabbed her and pushed her into the yard where she fell and banged her head on the wall. The cut on her forehead was pouring with blood and she asked her son to call for a taxi to take her to hospital."

Miss Allan said there was no request for a restraining order from the aggrieved.

Richard Prew, defending, said his client was deeply ashamed and remorseful.

"He didn't intend for her to fall over but when you push someone quite forcefully that is what can happen," said Mr Prew.

"He will clearly have bridges to build when he sees his wife again."