A LOVERS' tiff ended in a public display of violence.

Blackburn magistrates were shown CCTV footage of the incident during which Carrie Smalley struck her ex-partner more than 35 times.

He repeatedly offered her his chin but at one point grabbed her and banged her against a wall.

Smalley, 34, of Dukes Brow, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Daniel Ginley.

She was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months, made subject to a community order for 12 months with 25 days rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay £122 victim surcharge.

The court heard police were called to a report of a disturbance outside The Sun pub on Astley Gate.

CCTV showed Smalley and Mr Ginley standing close to the bottom of the car park ramp at the rear of Debenhams. They were arguing and she repeatedly punched, slapped and pushed him.

At various stages Mr Ginley invited her to strike him again or restrained Carrie.

At one point three men approached the couple but then walked away after apparently being assured nobody needed any help.

The incident only ended when police arrived.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said the footage shown to the court was not nice to watch.

"They tried to make it as private as possible but it has to be accepted they were in the town centre in the middle of the day," said Mr Taylor.

"Things were being said to my client and she reacted very badly. Mr Ginley offered his chin to her and she struck out. It is something she regrets and she accepts she has to be punished."

Sentencing Smalley the chairman of the magistrates said the incident had been in the public eye while the defendant was under the influence of alcohol.

"We also accept you were goaded by the victim," he said.