A 39-year-old man who was clearly “on something” when he went to his ex-partner’s home assaulted her in front of children.

Blackburn magistrates heard one child was hysterical and so upset he was physically sick.

At one stage Miles Andrew Whitfield took the three-year-old boy in his arms but then staggered and fell over still holding him.

Whitfield, of Glenn Street, Colne, pleaded guilty to assaulting Lisa Demiral. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months after the magistrates heard their sentencing options were restricted because Whitfield was already serving a custodial sentence. He was made subject to a restraining order for two years.

Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, said when Whitfield arrived at his ex-partner’s house he was unsteady on his feet and kept falling asleep.

“She didn't want the children to see him in that state but when she pushed him out he got hold of her arms and dragged her out of the house,” said Mr Robinson. “The children came outside to see what was going on and the three-year-old was hysterical.”

Miss Demiral eventually managed to get the children back inside and close the door on Whitfield.

Nick Cassidy, defending, said Whitfield was thoroughly ashamed of his behaviour.