A WOMAN who went to help her father after he collapsed in a drunken stupor was attacked by her step-brother, a court heard.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Scott Guilfoyle grabbed his step-sister by the hair and dragged her to the floor before banging her head against the wall three times.

Guilfoyle, 42, of Lion Street, Church, pleaded guilty to assaulting Michelle Guilfoyle.

He was made subject to a community rehabilitation order for six months and ordered to pay £75 compensation and £69 costs.

Peter Wild, prosecuting, said Michelle was trying to help her father who had collapsed on the floor at the family home in Church. "She was stood in the kitchen when she suddenly felt her hair being pulled and she was dragged to the ground," said Mr Wild.

"Her head was banged against the wall and as a result of the attack her head was very sore and she also had pain in her neck and shoulders.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said Guilfoyle and his father had been drinking together during the afternoon and early evening.

"My client was also extremely drunk and it was always going to be a recipe for disaster," said Mr Blacklidge .