A WOMAN put a stone through the windscreen of a neighbour's car after accusing her of having her son in the house.

Blackburn magistrates heard a police officer who attended heard Linda Jayne Leafe making racist comments towards her neighbour's Turkish partner.

Leafe, 49, of Wycollar Avenue, Burnley, pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a BMW belonging to Francesca Southern and racially aggravated threatening behaviour. She was fined £80 and ordered to pay £250 compensation.

Philippa White, prosecuting, said Miss Southern was woken by loud banging at 7.30 am on a Sunday. She looked out of the bedroom window and saw Leafe who was shouting; "Where is my son?"

"She saw the defendant remove a large stone from the garden wall and throw it through the windscreen of her car," said Mrs White.

Keith Rennison, defending, said his client was seen by the mental health team at the police station and the following day she was sectioned under the mental health act.

"Her recollection of the incident is hazy but it appears she was confused," said Mr Rennison. "She is now back at home and medication keeps her on an even keel."