AN 18-year-old Accrington man went 'berserk' in his own home after a phone call in which he was accused of seeing other women.

Blackburn magistrates heard Ewan Lumley's girlfriend left the house as soon as his 'tantrum' started.

But he admitted assaulting her on the basis she had been frightened by his violence, which included throwing knives around.

Lumley, of Washington Street, pleaded guilty to assault. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a 20 day rehabilitation activity requirement and 40 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £85 victim surcharge.

Enza Geldard, prosecuting, said police received a call to say Lumley was going mad, smashing things up and throwing knives.

"When they arrived they heard the sound of items being smashed," said Mrs Geldard. "When they went in the house was in a state of disarray. The defendant told the officers he was not violent and just needed help."

Richard Prew, defending, said the harm to the victim had been emotional rather than physical.

"She removed herself very early in the incident and only came back when the police had arrived," said Mr Prew. "They have now split up and she has moved back to the Manchester area."