ONE of two masked men who subjected a young mother to a terror ordeal in front of her children, is awaiting sentence.

Burnley Crown Court heard Steven Rickwood, 27, of Tedder Avenue, Padiham, struck with his former girlfriend Nicola Winchester who told victim Alison Hammond not to get clever or her face would be smashed in.

The attack began when Miss Hammond answered a knock at the door of her home in Allerton Drive, Burnley. She let Nicola Winchester in before two masked men burst in.

Miss Hammond had cash and her mobile telephone taken and three necklaces pulled from around her neck. Her two children were hysterical as a knife was waved in front of her and she was dragged around the house.

Rickwood, who knows Miss Hammond,denied robbery and his sister told the jury he had been at her home ill in bed.

The defendant was found guilty by jury and remanded in custody for sentence on May 3.

Peter Horgan, prosecuting, told the court Miss Winchester had pleaded guilty to the offence.

Miss Hammond knew the defendant and although he was disguised in scarf, balaclava and tinted glasses, she recognised his distinctive voice, the court heard.

For the defendant, Katherine Pierpoint, defending, said no stolen property was found at Rickwood's home.

Rickwood and his sister Carole Pounder were adamant he had not committed the offence.