A MAN slapped his partner across the face during a heated argument about his use of cannabis.

Blackburn magistrates heard Robert Snow also smashed her phone during the row which resulted in him being arrested and charged.

But she later said she had just wanted him removed from the house.

Snow, 28, of Cog Lane, Burnley, pleaded guilty to assault and criminal damage. He was fined £96 and ordered to pay £32 victim surcharge.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said Snow was a daily user of cannabis and his partner said he became aggressive when he wasn't smoking it.

She helped him get a job and was trying to assist with his drug problem because they wanted to get their life together.

"When she called the police she just wanted him removed from the house and didn't expect him to be arrested and charged," said Miss Akhtar.

Waseem Chowdhary, defending, said his client accepted there were problems in the relationship which he and his partner were trying to sort out.