A WOMAN who was woken at 2am went down to find her ex-partner in her house.

Blackburn magistrates heard the woman was shocked to see Mark McArthur because it was over 12 months since they had separated.

And she was even more surprised when he shouted at her to get out of his house.

McArthur, 38, of Hastings Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Natalie Horner causing her actual bodily harm. He was sent on bail to Preston Crown Court to be sentenced on April 6.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said McArthur was extremely intoxicated and refused to leave when told to by Mis Horner.

"He suddenly lunged towards her and headbutted to the side of her head," said Miss Allan. "Blood started pouring from a cut on her eyelid which will probably result in permanent scarring."

Miss Allan said there were several children in the house and one of them gave Miss Horner a towel to try and stop the bleeding.

Gareth Price, defending, said his client was ashamed of what he had done.

"He is aware that until the cut heals his children are going to have to see their mother with that injury and that upsets him," said Mr Price.

"Over recent years he has been having problems with alcohol which are getting worse.

"Even the aggrieved says he is a different person when he is not in drink. He knows he has got to get a grip of that problem."