A MAN who forced his way into his ex-girlfriend’s home and attacked her with a baseball bat has been warned he faces a ‘significant period in prison’.

Judge Sara Dodd said she was concerned by the ‘nature’ of Matthew Bonnell’s attack on victim Emma Shaw and adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Part of that will be to see if Bonnell is deemed to be a dangerous offender. If that is the case the 26-year-old, of Robert Street, Accrington, will have an extended period on licence once he is released from any prison sentence.

Bonnell pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and aggravated burglary.

The court heard both offences related to the same incident in Chester Street, Accrington, on October 10.

Prosecuting Stephen Parker said Bonnell forced his way into the house of his estranged partner and attacked her with a baseball bat.

Defending, Jack Troup said: “There is not a basis of plea. I ask on behalf of Mr Bonnell that he is sentenced today. I appreciate an assessment of dangerousness may be on your mind. He’s in custody at the moment on recall of licence at the moment and says he is keen to be sentenced and get on with serving it.”

Judge Dodd remanded Bonnell in custody and told him to expect a custodial sentence when he is sentenced at Burnley Crown Court on December 7.

Judge Dodd said she was ‘very troubled by this case’ which was ‘compounded’ by Bonnell’s previous convictions.

Judge Dodd said: “I will adjourn this sentence until December 7. I am not prepared to sentence you without some input from the probation service.

“These offences are very serious and will attract a sentence of immediate imprisonment. It is the nature of this offence which worries me.

“A judge on the next occasion will decide whether you are to be regarded as a dangerous offender. You will be remanded in custody.”