A YOUNG mum who knifed the father of her child was spared jail after a court heard she had "deep seated issues."

"Insecure and angry" Stacey Coo, 21 of Spring Street, Accrington, had attacked Peter Brett after she thought he was on the phone to another woman, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Coo, who slashed the victim across the knee, was given a 12 month community order with supervision and Think First anger management programme.

The defendant admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, last June.

Sentencing, Judge Woolman told Coo she had an alarming trait in her personality which she was aware of and needed help to address.

He added he would be justified in locking the defendant up but it would be better to see if she could be assisted.

Sarah Statham, prosecuting, told the court the defendant went to Mr Brett's address.

He was on the phone and she took exception to that. The defendant went into the kitchen and returned with a large knife. She raised it to shoulder height and told the victim: "Tell me who was on the phone or I will stab you."

Mr Brett replied: "No, I am not telling you. Just do it."

Coo whipped the knife towards Mr Brett's leg, making contact with his knee. Coo had 14 previous convictions.

June Morris, defending, said Coo had spent long periods of time in care and was angry.

It had had a devastating effect upon her and she was vulnerable, stressed and anxious.