A DRUNKEN father of three attacked his partner's sister because he believed she had brought a "stranger," to their home, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how Aaron MacGuire, 30, set about the victim, who was lodging with him and his wife, after an all day drinking session.

Sheena McDonald, 19, fled to a neighbour's home in her night dress and police were called.

The defendant, of Lincoln Road, Earby, admitted assault by beating on August 27. He was given 60 hours unpaid work and must pay £80 compensation and £55 costs.

Elizabeth Read, prosecuting, told the court the defendant's partner went to pick him up from Skipton and the victim went to bed.

MacGuire returned home and Miss McDonald heard him shouting at her as he ran up the stairs. The defendant then barged into the bedroom, verbally abused Miss McDonald and seemed upset and angry about her association with a male friend.

MacGuire then pulled the covers back, picked up a metal stand lamp and hit the victim several times.She tried to protect herself but MacGuire struck her head and ended up lying on top of her.

Mrs Read said the victim's sister came into the room and tried to remove the defendant. Miss McDonald fled immediately to a neighbours and raised the alarm.

Police were called by the neighbour and found MacGuire drunk.

Richard Taylor, defending, said the defendant believed a stranger had been brought into their home without their blessing, there were three young children in the house and he was upset.

He foolishly went to confront the victim.