A man who drove to Darwen for a face to face with his 'girlfriend' found himself at the centre of a frenzied attack, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that John Lupton was showered with glass as every window in his car was smashed with a pick axe handle.

And as he tried to escape he was attacked by another man who leaned in to the car and punched him.

Andrew Church-Taylor, defending, said it was a tale of unrequited love which had turned into a nightmare.

Jason Smith, 19, of Hollin Grove, Darwen, pleaded guilty to assaulting John Lupton. He was remanded on bail until November 16 for reports.

Eddie Harrison, prosecuting, said Mr Lupton had driven from Lancaster to Darwen to see a girl called Becky who he had been going out with for two weeks.

When Mr Lupton pulled up outside the address there was a man waiting who told him to leave.

"That man went into the house and returned with a pick-axe handle," said Mr Harrison. "Mr Lupton got back into his car and put the key into the ignition in an attempt to get away but before he could escape the windows began to be smashed. Mr Lupton was showered with glass."