A MAN who attacked his then estranged partner as she held her baby has been spared jail.

Burnley magistrates told Daniel Alexander Wood, 38, he had to get to grips with his drinking and the violence that went with it and sent him on a domestic violence programme.

Wood, who had set about victim Leanne Hilton twice before, had punched her in the face and she would say it was lucky she did not drop the infant, the court was told.

The defendant, subject to two community orders for violence at the time, broke his ankle trying to get away from police.

Wood, of Hargreaves Street, Nelson, admitted assault last December 27.

He was given 120 days in prison, suspended for two years. He must pay £50 costs and £50 compensation.

The court had been told how Miss Hilton had gone to her father-in-law's and Wood turned up and was not allowed in. The defendant called Miss Hilton, who he is still in a relationship with, names.

The victim went to the door with the baby in her arms. The defendant was walking away, but then approached her and struck her in the face. Wood had 39 previous convictions.