A COMPANY director has admitted seriously wounding his ex-partner after barging his way into her Blackburn home, and putting tape over her mouth.

Preston Crown Court heard Ian Gresham, 55, was originally charged with attempted murder following the incident on October 17 last year.

Gresham’s former partner, Shirley Jackson, was alone at her home in Ouseburn Road, Livesey, at 11.30pm when he turned up at the back door.

The court heard he forced his way into the kitchen, punched Miss Jackson in the face, before putting tape over her face and hands and pushed her up the stairs.

The prosecution said once in the bedroom, Gresham put a bag over his ex-partner’s head, punched her in the face until she passed out, and covered her face with a pillow.

Two family members, who returned home during the attack, stopped Gresham in his tracks, the court heard.

The prosecution said Miss Jackson was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital where she was found to have a fractured cheekbone, broken nose and numerous cuts and bruises to her face.

Gresham pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and was due to stand trial.

However the prosecution accepted a guilty plea to a lesser charge of wounding with intent.

During the 10 minute hearing, Gresham, of New Wellington Street, Blackburn, spoke only to confirm his name and enter his guilty plea.

Judge Heather Lloyd remanded him in custody until he returns to court on May 2 to be sentenced.

She told him: “You have pleaded guilty and as you have heard I am adjourning for the preparation of pre-sentence and psychiatric reports, and an assessment of dangerousness.

“You know a custodial sentence of some length is inevitable.

“The question is the length of the sentence and whether it is a determinate sentence or whether you should be sentenced as a dangerous offender.”