LAVINIA England feared for her safety and that of her baby after her ex-partner refused to leave her home.

Blackburn magistrates heard that at one stage Colin Fairbrother armed himself with a bread knife and threatened to harm himself.

Fairbrother, 22, of Audley Range, Blackburn, admitted a breach of the peace.

He was bound over to keep the peace, especially towards Lavinia England, in the sum of £75 for 12 months.

David Macro, prosecuting, said Fairbrother had gone to the house to see their baby but stayed all day and refused to leave, despite Miss England asking him to go on numerous occasions.

"She says she was assaulted but does not wish to pursue that," said Mr Macro.

"When she called the police he had gone into the front room with a bread knife and he was threatening to kill himself with it.

"She feared for her own safety as well as his and the 12-month-old baby's."

Stephen Parker, defending, said the couple had been in a relationship for over three years and it had broken down about a month ago.

"He is still upset and distressed about that," said Mr Parker.