A BLACKBURN man admitted trying to murder his former partner when he appeared at crown court.

Ian Hornby pleaded guilty at a Preston Crown Court hearing to attempting to murder 43-year-old Julie Hornby.

The incident involving the 53-year-old defendant, of St Silas's Road, occurred on July 5 this year.

Police say Mrs Hornby, who suffered multiple stab wounds, was lucky to survive the ferocious and sustained attack.

At a plea and directions hearing, defence counsel Mr Alastair Webster QC said Hornby had no personal recollections of his actions.

"There would appear to have been a sudden and temporary loss of self control," he said. "He accepted he must be guilty of the offence."

Mr Webster also said the defendant's state of mind beforehand appeared to have been at least somewhat confused and turbulent. He asked that the case be adjourned for a psychiatric report.

Speaking after the case Detective Inspector Bob Eastwood said: "This is one of the nastiest assaults I have ever investigated.

"This was a ferocious attack and Mrs Hornby was extremely lucky to survive, the severity of her injuries meant she was in intensive care for a week and had to undergo an emergency operation."

He added: "Mrs Hornby is a lovely woman and a caring mum who did not deserve this appalling treatment.

"She has been left deeply upset and traumatised and has to have the support of trained counsellors to support her through this truly dreadful ordeal."

A number of character witnesses are expected to be put before the court on his behalf at the next hearing.

The case was adjourned to November 16 for a pre sentence report as well. Hornby was remanded in custody by Judge Peter Openshaw QC.