A 28-year-old man who visited to see his children in a drunken state assaulted his estranged wife when she tried to leave the house with the children.

Hyndburn magistrates heard that Nasir Mahmood grabbed Nazra Mahmood and punched her twice, knocking her onto the sofa.

The court was told that Mrs Mahmood eventually fled from the house with two of the children, but her husband refused to let her take the third child until she returned with the police.

Mahmood, of Higher Audley Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife. The case was adjourned for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Philippa White, prosecuting, said the marriage had been arranged 16 years earlier.

Mrs Mahmood allowed her husband to come round to visit the children but was concerned on this occasion because he had clearly been drinking.

"She decided to go with the children, leaving the defendant to sober up," said Mrs White. "She was in the process of getting the children ready when she was assaulted."

Anser Amin, defending, said his client had entered the UK 10 years ago. He did not speak any English and the court proceedings were translated for him.

"He does understand that what he did was wrong," said Mr Amin.

"He wants to put this matter behind him."