AN 18-YEAR-OLD man spat in his mum's face during a row over what she had said to social services about the mother of his child.

Blackburn magistrates heard James Richard Burrows was angry about his mother's intervention but accepted his behaviour was totally unacceptable.

"That was the worst thing I have ever done in my life, it was sick," he told the court. "It was just a horrible argument. I look after my mum."

Burrows, of Old Gates Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Lynne Burrows. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a 20 hour attendance centre requirement and ordered to pay £85 victim surcharge.

Enza Geldard, prosecuting, said Burrows had admitted assaulting his mother on the basis that he had spat at her and pushed her as he tried to take a mobile phone of her. He told police his girlfriend had phoned him to say his mother had told Social Services she took drugs and drank alcohol. He was angry and went downstairs to confront her.

"I understand he is still living with his mother and there is no application for a restraining order," said Mrs Geldard.

Gareth Price, defending, said mother and son had reconciled almost immediately.

"He has a nine month old son and social services were involved," said Mr Price. "His mother had given them information which made the situation worse and he was extremely angry."