A DRUNKEN father threatened his father and former girlfriend with a starting pistol then threw his mother to the floor.

Burnley Crown Court heard how civil engineer Shaun Nuttall, 26, was acting in "alcohol fuelled temporary insanity."

He was jailed for 12 months by Recorder Kevin Talbot who said the pistol looked like a real gun.

Nuttall, of no fixed address but from the Hyndburn area, admitted possessing an imitation firearm with intent, assault causing actual bodily harm and threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said the defendant had a child by a woman called Tina Clough. He believed somebody had threatened to shoot her grown up son and he inquired about the assailant at a school. He produced the starting pistol in front of a group of boys playing football.

The next day, the defendant rowed with Miss Clough when she, her children and his parents were at Nuttall's home. Nuttall had tapped on the front window but was not let in. He burst in through the back door and Miss Clough phoned the police.

Mr Lamberty said Nuttall held the gun at Miss Clough's face then pointed the gun at his father's stomach.

Nuttall went into the kitchen, caused £1,000 worth of damage, pushed his mother to the floor, threw her down again and abused her. She suffered a sore knee.

Anthony Cross, defending, said when not intoxicated, Nuttall was incredibly hard working and provided for his family. When in drink, he flew off the handle.

Mr Cross added the defendant showed remorse for his actions which were alcohol fuelled temporary insanity.