A SPURNED father of two was pushed over the edge when his estranged wife's new partner ordered him out of the home that used to be his.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Derek Kearney, 34, 'lost it' and tried to stab the love rival he saw as having taken his wife, home and belongings.

Kearney, who struck as he calmly walked out of the property with police, had been left with just the clothes he stood up in after victim Robert Clough, the homeless friend he had taken in, had started an affair with his wife.

Kearney was jailed for nine months after Judge Raymond Bennett told him although he felt he had been ousted from his home and may have been severely provoked by Mr Clough, anybody who tried to use a knife had to go to prison.

Kearney, of Ulster Street, Burnley, had earlier admitted attempted wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and the case had been adjourned to seek Mr Clough's views after the defendant claimed all parties had had Christmas dinner together.

Andrew Long, prosecuting, said police were called after the defendant had punched and bit Mr Clough.

Kearney was being taken out of the property by officers when he grabbed a kitchen knife, threatened to kill Mr Clough and tried to stab him three times.

Robert Crawford, defending, said there was no suggestion anything like this would happen again.