Attacked mum fled down drainpipe

Burnley magistrates heard how Peter Swaine, 27, launched what the prosecution said was an "unprovoked attack" on Donna Duckworth.

But his solicitor told the court he was upset after finding a used hypodermic syringe in his back yard -- and believed the victim and her sister were involved.

The court was told how Miss Duckworth ran into her sister Paula's house and escaped down a drainpipe while the defendant, who was said to have held the complainant in a headlock, put his fist through a pane of glass.

Swaine, of Kirkgate, Burnley, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and damage and was bailed until April 27 for a pre-sentence report.

Julie Reddish, prosecuting, said Miss Duckworth was walking to her sister's when she saw Swaine, who had been drinking and he started shouting about smackheads. The defendant punched her and she smashed her head on the floor.

Miss Duckworth screamed for help, her mother and sister Paula came out and attempts were made to calm Swaine.

The defendant hurled abuse and punched Miss Duckworth several more times, leaving her with blood dripping down her face. Miss Reddish said Miss Duckworth was terrified and ran upstairs in her sister's house. She heard a smashing sound coming from downstairs and believing Swaine was going to get her, climbed out down a drainpipe before dashing to a friend's house where police were called.

Richard Taylor, defending, said Swaine had been out celebrating his birthday and had far too much to drink.

The defendant, who lived with his girlfriend and two young children, had earlier found a used hypodermic syringe in his back yard. He suspected the sisters' involvement in this and after something was said to him, he accepted he must have just flipped.

Swaine remembered very little about what happened and when first seen at the police station, could not believe what he was alleged to have done. He offered his heartfelt apologies.