A FAMILY were terrified when a hammer-wielding man looking for retribution after being assaulted targeted their home by mistake.

Lee Hibbert, 33, tried to smash down the door of the house Castle Street, Burnley.

Burnley magistrates heard that the family fled barefoot as Hibbert made death threats.

Hibbert had picked the wrong house in his bid for retribution against some-one who had assaulted him.

In January the defendant, who has 13 previous convictions, had appeared in court for brandishing a metal bar in the same street.

Hibbert was committed to the crown court for sentence following the latest incident, after the magistrates said their sentencing powers were not sufficient.

He is facing jail after pleading guilty to affray, possessing an offensive weapon and damage.

Wendy Chappell, pros-ecuting, told the court Hibbert started to hit the door at 9pm on Saturday.

The girl and her mother locked the door, but Hibbert kept banging on it and smashed the glass.

Hibbert was shouting: "Open the door. I'm going to kill you".

He then reached towards the lock through the broken window.

The girl and her family fled barefoot and only went back after Hibbert was taken away.

Mrs Chappell said the 13-year-old had night-mares about being attack-ed since the incident.

The prosecutor said: "She said the man was going mad, screaming and shouting in the street, threatening anybody that went towards him Come on, come on'."

In January Hibbert was given an 18-month cond-itional discharge for threatening behaviour after waving a metal bar around in Castle Street.

David Lawson, defending, said Hibbert had been in a dispute with his girlfriend which resulted in him being injured.

That spilled out into the street with neighbours and resulted in him taking the claw hammer, intent on seeking retribution against the people who had assaulted him, Mr Lawson said.

The solicitor said: "Unfortunately, he went to the wrong address and damage was caused to inno-cent people's property."

He was bailed until May 23, on condition he lives at Waterbarn Street, observes a 7pm to 7am curfew, seven days a week, does not enter licensed premises, pubs or clubs, does not contact witnesses and does not go within 100 metres of Castle Street.