A DRUNKEN woman who stabbed a man who tried to force his way into her home was today starting a two-year jail term.

Jacqueline Martin, 38, sobbed in Burnley Crown Court as a judge told her she was passing as short a sentence as was consistent with her public duty.

Judge Barbara Watson added victim John McDonald must have been terrified as he thought he was going to die.

Martin had been fuelled by excessive alcohol and sometimes the amount she drank seemed to have some effect on her ability to control herself.

Martin, of Russell Court, Burnley, had earlier admitted unlawful wounding.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said the defendant had gone out with her partner visited various pubs and went to an 18th birthday party.

In the pub that evening was John McDonald, and about 12.30am, he left with Jeanette Horton.

There was an incident between the defendant and her partner and the victim later knocked on the door, Martin answered and said to him: "Do you want some as well?"

She was holding an eight-inch bread knife and lunged at Mr McDonald, striking him on the head and severing a tendon in his hand.

Paul Hague, defending, said Martin was extremely frightened and worried, distressed about her involvement and the offence was out of character.

Martin claimed the complainant tried to force himself into her house and she committed the offence in an overwrought and emotional state.