FRIENDS of a mother of three said to have been kidnapped at knifepoint and attacked by her ex-partner have told how she was hysterical after her alleged ordeal.

Joanne Bertenshaw, 33, was petrified, crying, shaking and struggling to breathe after she claimed Shane Corps had taken her from her home, dragged her by her hair down an alley and grass banking, punched and kicked her and threatened her with death, Burnley Crown Court heard.

One friend described in a statement how Mrs Bertenshaw was "a mess, a physical wreck," after the two-hour late-night terror assault said to be at Corps' hands.

June Pyrah described to the jury how the alleged victim was barefoot, her hair was matted and she was holding her sides in pain.She would not ring the police she was so frightened.

The jury has been told how the defendant allegedly broke into the Hawks Grove, Rawtenstall, home of Mrs Bertenshaw, disguised in a woman's peroxide blonde wig and beanie hat.

He was then said to have pounced on her and put the knife to her throat after laying in wait The prosecution has alleged Corps was also armed with a rope and had planned his moves with precision, wearing gloves and plastic over his shoes so he would not leave forensic evidence.

Mrs Bertenshaw has alleged Corps told her he had already dug her grave and was going to cover her in concrete.

She told the jury she thought she really was going to die.

The defendant, 36, of Schofield Road, Rawtenstall, who was later arrested "hiding," above his sister's Amazing Nails salon, in Waterfoot, denies kidnap, assault causing actual bodily harm, making a threat to kill and aggravated burglary, last September.

In her statement June Pyrah said she had received a phone call from Mrs Bertenshaw who was screaming hysterically and claimed Corps had tried to kill her.

Mrs Bertenshaw refused to go to hospital without a police escort.

Another friend, Janet Salisbury said in a statement she had received an early hours call from June Pyrah and had gone straight to her house.

Mrs Bertenshaw was there, her hair was tangled, her face was bruised and she seemed in a lot of pain.

Mrs Bertenshaw claimed to her that Corps had attacked her when she had arrived home.

(Proceeding)