TWO ex-convicts are back behind bars after an early hours machete attack which left a father of 10 injured as his children slept at their Padiham home.

Burnley Crown Court heard how victim Stuart Murgatroyd suffered a two and a half inch gash after he was confronted by a masked neighbour at his Padiham home and then set upon by an accomplice last August.

Steven Atkinson, 40, who hit the victim repeatedly with the machete, and alcoholic Stephen Marsden, 37, who turned up at Mr Murgatroyd's home with the weapon, were yesterday both jailed.

Atkinson, of Beech Street, was given 15 months after admitting wounding.

Father-of-two Marsden, of Malvern Avenue, Padiham, received 18 months, to be served after the 30 day unexpired portion of his last sentence. He pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon and affray.

Sentencing, Judge Pamela Badley said Mr Murgatroyd was not the only victim as the offences were in public and would have caused local residents fear for their family, life and their security.

Jacob Dyer, prosecuting, told the court Mr Murgatroyd and his family were asleep at their Malvern Avenue home when Marsden arrived, wearing a balaclava and armed with a two-foot-long machete. He was soon joined by Atkinson who hit the victim three times with the weapon.

Mr Dyer said Mr Murgatroyd suffered a wound which needed seven stitches. Both defendants were later arrested.

The prosecutor added Atkinson had 54 previous convictions while Marsden had 93 past offences. Both had convictions for violence and had been to custody before.

Roger Baldwin, defending Atkinson, said the incident was not planned, Atkinson had not taken a weapon with him and he regretted what he did.

For Marsden, Darren Dunn said there had been ill-feeling between Marsden and the victim. He said the defendant received a text message threatening him and also threatening to firebomb his mother's house.