A TEENAGER was left cowering in terror after her 47-year-old boyfriend smashed up her home with a hammer and a crowbar.

Hyndburn magistrates heard that Emmett Thomas Smith had been drinking all day at the time of the incident, which left 17-year-old college student Michelle Roberts and his 18-year-old daughter Candice in tears.

But despite her ordeal, the girl attended court and told defence solicitor Gareth Price that as soon as she was able she would be seeking a reconciliation.

Smith, of Bank Street, Padiham, pleaded guilty to affray. He was committed on bail to Preston Crown Court for sentence after the magistrates ruled their powers of punishment were insufficient.

Smith was granted bail on condition he has no contact with Miss Roberts or his daughter.

Philippa White, prosecuting, said on the day of the incident Miss Roberts had got home from college at about 3pm and could tell her boyfriend had been drinking. An argument started at about 11.30pm.

"He started shouting at her and became very angry," said Mrs White. "She cowered down on the floor and tried to get under a table as Candice got between them and was talking to her father.

"He left the room and returned carrying a hammer."

She added: "She then saw him with a crowbar in his hand and, as she cowered under the table, she could hear the sound of splintering furniture and breaking glass," said Mrs White.

Mr Price said his client accepted it had been a very distressing incident for Miss Roberts and the defendant's daughter.