A FATHER of two smashed up his former partner's car while she and her mother were in it and then drove off with their son, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Craig Oldfield's ex, Donna Murgatroyd, had been called to her home by a neighbour who told her Oldfield was "off his head" in the garden.

Oldfield, of Gannow Lane, Burnley, said to have mental health and drug issues, admitted damage, taking the car without consent and threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

He was bailed until February 28, for a pre-sentence report.

Bill Maude, prosecuting, told the court Miss Murgatroyd and the defendant had had an on/off, violent relationship for seven years and had two children.

She and the children had been staying with her mother, where she received a message Oldfield was in the garden at her home.

She, her mother, her son and a friend drove to her home. Miss Murgatroyd looked through the letter box and saw the defendant lying on the floor making funny noises.

Oldfield then started to walk towards the victim, screaming: "I'm not on drugs." Miss Murgatroyd got into her car and locked the door. Mr Maude said Oldfield picked up a stone flag and smashed the driver's window then ran up the bonnet and shattered the windscreen.

The defendant tried to pull Miss Murgatroyd out of the smashed window.

She managed to free herself and climbed out of the passenger side.

Her mother, who was still in the vehicle was able to get out. Oldfield then demanded his son be put in the car and drove off. The defendant had 55 previous convictions.

Richard Taylor, defending, said Oldfield accepted his behaviour had been out of order and that he had put people in fear.