A woman who went out for the day with her family returned to find their home had been "trashed" and "soiled".

Blackburn magistrates heard Muhammad Ejaz had also stolen food, clothing, footwear, kitchen knives and electrical items during the burglary.

Ejaz, 22, of Linden Crescent, Darwen, pleaded guilty to burglary and possession of two knives in a public place.

He was sent in custody to Preston Crown Court to be sentenced on June 4.

Scott Parker, prosecuting, said when the householder left the house she saw a man, which turned out to Ejaz, humming to himself and staring in her direction.

When she returned at 4pm she found coats scattered over the floor and the living room had been trashed.

"Grapes had been trodden into the carpet and it was a scene of devastation throughout the house," said Mr Parker.

He said Ejaz had no previous convictions.

"This is an unusual first time offence," said Mr Parker.

"It was committed in a particularly disgusting manner given the ransacking and the soiling of the entire house.

"We are unaware of any reasons for picking on this particular victim."

Mr Parker said Ejaz was in possession of two knives, taken during the burglary, when he was arrested.

Zia Yassin, defending, said the offence seemed to be some kind of cry for help.

"There are clearly mental health issues," said Mr Yassin.