A MAN who hurled a plate at his partner after a World Cup match has been jailed for two years.

Bolton Crown Court heard that John Derby had been watching the Belgium v Tunisia game on the afternoon of June 23 when he threw the household item at his partner, gashing open her forehead.

He initially told police that the three inch by one inch wide wound had been the result of an accident.

But, Derby, aged 53, of Church Avenue, Daubhill, later pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.

The court heard how police were alerted to the incident at 7.30pm by an anonymous caller who had seen the victim 'running in the street, clearly distressed and appeared to be covered in blood'.

When officers arrived at the address Derby had left through a back door.

Judge Graeme Smith heard how there were three children in the house at the time who had witnessed the aftermath of the assault.

Derby's partner was taken to hospital where stitches and glue were used to treat the gash on her forehead plus a one inch cut to the side of her head. She also suffered a cut and bruising under her left eye.

Derby, who had been drinking cider since 10am and claimed to have limited recollection of the incident, was arrested the day after the assault.

The court heard that police had been called on previous occasions after Derby had assaulted his partner but she had not supported any prosecution.

He has convictions for 16 previous offences, including some for violence.

The court heard that despite the incident, the victim, who is believed to be recovering well, and Derby plan to stay together.

Nicholas Ross, defending, told the court that the incident was 'very much out of the blue' and that Derby could not give a proper explanation for his actions.

Sentencing Derby this morning, Judge Smith said: "This is not a normal case because what it relates to is what appears to be quite a serious injury caused by an ordinary dining plate.

"I quite accept that it is very unlikely that you intended to do her any serious damage.

"However, it was certainly reckless and you accept this would not have happened had you not had a considerable amount to drunk.

"Matters were made more serious by the fact children were in the house, although not in the room when it happened.

"I accept that you are sorry that this level of injury was caused, although you have continued to minimise the seriousness of this matter."