AN ADDICT who attended his mum's home while under the influence knocked her to the ground and then punched her in the ribs.

Blackburn magistrates heard as he left Sean Cullen kicked a wing mirror off his mum's car and threw a rock at the vehicle.

Cullen, 26, of no fixed address, was convicted in his absence of assaulting his mother and pleaded guilty to criminal damage, theft and possession of a knife in a public place. He was remanded in custody for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Rachel Dixon, prosecuting, said the defendant's mum said his behaviour had been getting worse in recent months.

"She says he is addicted to heroin and when he is under the influence she is terrified of him," said Ms Dixon. "She requests that a restraining order is made."

She said the theft was from Euro Garages' store in Burnley. Cullen had left without paying for two dash cams but when he was challenged by a member of staff handed them back.

The knife was found on him when he was arrested for failing to attend court.

Mark Williams, defending, said his client had always maintained that he hadn't deliberately assaulted his mother.

"He says they had an argument and when he went to leave his mum tried to stop him," said Mr Williams.

"There was a struggle and as they fell to the floor he landed on top of her. He didn't turn up for his trial and he has to accept that."