He was the main offender in a savage attack in December on another man, 39, who had his two young children sleeping at home.

Privett, 47, pleaded guilty in Albury Local Court to a charge of aggravated break and enter committing a serious indictable offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Magistrate Tony Murray ordered a pre-sentence report and adjourned Privett’s sentencing to the District Court sittings in Albury starting on April 13.

He has been in custody with bail refused since his arrest on December 8.

Privett was accompanied by his son, Dustin James Foye, 19, and a juvenile when they went to a house in Koonwarra Street about 10.50pm on December 7.

They spoke to the man living there about a $3000 debt allegedly owed to them by a previous occupant and wanted to know where he lived.

But the victim said he didn’t know and was then told he was being held responsible for the debt.

Privett reefed open a flimsy flywire door and the three assailants went inside to attack the victim.

At the time, the victim’s two children, a son, 12, and daughter, 10, were sleeping.

The victim was grabbed from behind by Foye and Privett started punching him. He made an attempt to fight back, but was overpowered as the struggle moved into a hallway where glass picture frames were smashed.

Privett continued his punching and threatened the victim his children would be injured if the debt was not paid.

The victim’s daughter was woken, went to investigate and was grabbed by the back of the head by Privett.

He was told by the juvenile accomplice that the children should not be harmed.

Privett got behind the victim and punched him to the back of the head, but the juvenile described that as a “dog” act and they left.

Police had been called by neighbours.

One neighbour had armed himself with an iron bar and had intended to help the victim.

The victim suffered cuts to his feet from broken glass, bruising about the body, a swollen lip and concussion.