A YOUNG dad who beat up the mother of his baby girl after a funeral has been told he will not be going to jail.

Burnley magistrates asked for a pre-sentence report on Carl Harker, 33, after being told he was receiving psychiatric treatment. They told the defendant, who attacked Angela Whitehead after a funeral wake, they were looking at community options and were ruling out custody.

Harker, of Robson Street, Brierfield, admitted assault by beating, on February 17. He was bailed until May 13, on condition he does not contact the victim, or go within 100 metres of Norfolk Avenue, Burnley.

Mercedah Jabbari, prosecuting, said the defendant babysat for Miss Whitehead, his former partner, while she attended a funeral.

They then went to the wake together, returned home and, because Harker had been drinking, she agreed he could sleep on the setee.

About 1am, the defendant began to argue with Miss Whitehead and she went to bed. Harker then stormed into the bedroom and told her: "We don't need to do this."

The victim was concerned Harker might take the baby and got out of bed.

The defendant then pinned her against the wardrobe, asked who was setting him up and demanded to know who was following him.

Miss Jabbari said Miss Whitehead pleaded for Harker to go downstairs. He did so, punched her in the face, and asked her: "Tell me the names."

Harker grabbed Miss Whithead's hair, banged her head against the wall and told her he wanted to know. He then went upstairs and Miss Whitehead phoned the police. Officers arrived and Harker was arrested.

The prosecutor said the defendant, who had 15 previous convictions, told police he struck Miss Whitehead because they had rowed. He claimed he had pushed her twice against a wall and she had banged her head.

Miss Jabbari said Miss Whitehead suffered reddening to her right cheek and lumps to the back of her head.

John Nuttall, defending, said Harker, who offended while subject to a conditional discharge, suffered delusions.

Mr Nuttall said things were improving quite dramatically and medics believed Harker could be treated without a hospital order.