A DAD who stole a car and assaulted a young woman on Christmas Eve has confessed to a string of offences.

The home of David Ryan Baker, 23, was raided by police, who found nine cannabis plants growing inside, Burnley Magistrates Court was told.

Baker admitted taking a Peugeot 206 car without consent, driving while disqualified, having no insurance, producing cannabis and assaulting Joanne Hines.

He also pleaded guilty to a separate charge of making an obscene phone call to Ms Hines on Christmas Eve.

Magistrates remanded him on bail for pre-sentence reports until January 25 on condition he does not contact Ms Hines.

But this is not the first time that Baker, originally from Leeds but now living in Colne Road, Earby, has fallen foul of the law.

He was given an anti-social behaviour order in the summer of 2008 when he was part of a gang which terrorised the West Craven town.

Baker and pal James Hall, then aged 21, from Foulridge, were given ASBOs by Reedley magistrates for a host of drink-fuelled outrages.

Residents complained that the pair were part of a seven-strong gang which intimidated neighbours and harassed shopkeepers in Earby.

Baker was soon appearing back before magistrates, accused of breaching the ASBO by associating with his former partners-in-crime.