A TERRIFIED multiple sclerosis sufferer was forced to dial 999 for help after being viciously attacked by her drunken son for the third time.

Disabled mother Karina Duguid, 46, was even beaten by Kevin Anthony Duxbury while she was on the telephone to police.

And she said: "I love him but I can't let him treat me like this. This situation is a mother's worst nightmare."

Duxbury, 23, now faces a prison sentence for punching his mother in the eye and beating her around the body last Friday.

After he was convicted of assault Ms Duguid, of Southworth Street, Black- burn, said she "never wanted to see him get in trouble" but was forced to involve the police because of his violent behaviour.

She said: "The stress of it all has been unbearable but there was nothing I could do but call the police.

"On Friday everything was fine but all of a sudden he snapped. He was calling me all of the names under the sun and then he hit me.

"I was shouting please Kevin, don't hit me'. That is not something you ever want to say to your own child.

I want to see him on his feet with a good job and out of trouble."

The single mum, who brought up Duxbury and her other daughter Lynette largely on her own, has been to women's refuge three times in the past to get away from Duxbury's violence.

Multiple sclerosis, a progressive disorder of the nervous system, limits her mobility and also affects her sight.

She added: "Last year there was an argument after he demanded money. He attacked me and gave me a black eye.

"I don't want him to go to prison but he has to change his ways. He has a problem with alcohol and when he drinks he becomes violent."

Duxbury, of London Terrace, Darwen, pleaded guilty to assaulting his mother when he appeared at Blackburn magistrates.

Magistrates, who ordered the preparation of a pre-sentence report, said custody would be the starting point for the sentencing bench.

Scott Ainge, prosecuting, said on the day of the incident Duxbury had been in the pub and had returned to his mother's home with three friends but there had been no problems until the friends left.

Mr Ainge said: "He was quite calm until they left but then became abusive and aggressive."

He said Duxbury called his mum a slag and said he hoped she died and if she didn't he would kill her before saying: "I'll rip your head off."

Mrs Duguid had been phoning the police when Duxbury snatched the phone of her and began to punch her, the court was told.

"This was an assault on his mother by the defendant, who clearly knows she suffers from multiple sclerosis," said Mr Ainge.

Roger Pickles, defending, said despite all that had happened Duxbury loved his mother and was deeply ashamed of his behaviour.

"He loves his mum and most of the time they get on well together," said Mr Pickles.

"Alcohol is the problem and he knows he has to take steps to address that."