A MAN who forced his way into a Burnley home stabbed his victim in the head with a knife.

Blackburn magistrates heard the victim's partner, her daughter and two-week-old baby had fled from the house and were hiding behind a car waiting for the police to arrive.

Thomas Cameron Dooley, 26, of Coal Clough Lane, Burnley, pleaded guilty to using violence to secure entry to premises, assaulting Shelly Morrison and assaulting Michael O'Brien causing him actual bodily harm.

He was sent in custody to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced on July 16.

Phillipa White, prosecuting, said Dooley had been in a relationship with Miss Morrison's daughter for six years. The daughter had a baby but this was nothing to do with Dooley.

Everyone was asleep in the house when it became apparent Dooley had entered the property.

"He had picked up some scissors and was trying to self harm," said Mrs White.

"He had blood on his face and she tried to get the scissors off him. He then picked up a knife and was trying to stab himself in the head. She again tried to stop him."

Mrs White said Dooley suddenly slumped to his knees in front her and bit her above the knee.

She saw her daughter leave the house with the baby and she also ran out and the three of them hid behind a car.

Mr O'Brien was still in the house and he could see Dooley was staggering and hardly able to speak.

"He was clearly under the influence of something," said Mrs White.

Dooley left the house and Mr O'Brien took the opportunity to lock the door.

"The defendant returned, demanding to know where the women had gone, and kicked the door in," said Mrs White.

"He came towards Mr O'Brien with the knife in his hand.

"He was mumbling and spitting blood as he grabbed Mr O'Brien by the throat and stabbed him in the head with the knife."

When he was interviewed Dooley said he couldn't remember the incident.

David Lawson, defending, said it had been an unpleasant incident.

"He has no real recollection of what happened but it clearly spiralled out of control," said Mr Lawson.

"He has pleaded guilty and he wants the victims to know he feels shame and remorse."