Young mum terrorised as she slept

Gary Patrick Shackley (28), who struck after a cocktail of drink and medication, told police it was an accident when he was arrested, Burnley magistrates were told.

Shackley, of Ingham Street, Padiham, admitted criminal damage costing £150 at Burnley, on February 3rd. He was given a community order, with a 15 day rehabilitation activity requirement and was told to pay £150 compensation.

Andrew Robinson (prosecuting) said the victim had known Shackley for about six months and thought they were friends.

She was awoken by banging on the front door, saw the defendant outside staggering and shouting and ignored him. The noise woke up her child.

Mr Robinson said Shackley kept shouting to be let in and then ran at the window and punched it twice. The prosecutor continued: “She describes being very scared and she didn’t know what to do. She didn’t have a telephone to contact police.”

The hearing was told Shackley was aggressive towards the police. He told them he had smashed the window by accident and it was “all a mistake”.

Richard Taylor, in mitigation, said Shackley had significant mental health problems.

The solicitor continued : “He is the first to accept mixing alcohol and his medication does not work. What he did was very anti-social.”