A MAN who took his estranged wife's car without permission ended up in hospital after being beaten by men who got to him after ramming the vehicle.

Blackburn magistrates heard the vehicle owner was "very upset" because none of what happened was anything to do with her.

Mohammed Bhatti, 37, of Hurtley Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to unauthorised vehicle taking aggravated by damage caused, driving without insurance and other than in accordance with a licence. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the couple had been separated for about a year but Bhatti still had access to the family home because of dropping the children off.

"As far as Mrs Bhatti was concerned the car was parked up and secure," said Miss Allan.

"It wasn't until she was contacted by the police to say her husband had been attacked that she realised he had taken her car."

When he was interviewed Bhatti said he had a spare key for the car which his wife did not know about. He said he had planned to return the car before she got up.

Mark Williams, defending, said there was no excuse for his client taking the vehicle although there perhaps was an excuse for the damage.

"He accepts that if he hadn't taken the car the damage would not have happened and therefore he is responsible," said Mr Williams.

"Having taken the car he became the victim of crime."

Mr Williams said the car was deliberately rammed so the other people could get at his client.

"He was severely assaulted and ended up in hospital for several days," said Mr Williams.

"I understand there is a prosecution in place as a result of the attack on my client."