A NEW dad "lost his rag" after his estranged partner started emptying the home and left in a van with his baby daughter and another man, a court was told.

Burnley Crown Court heard how angry Terence Mulleny, 37, banged on the windows and threatened to kill terrified Amanda Sutcliffe, who had taunted him by lowering her top to reveal lovebites.

Mulleny's counsel claimed Miss Sutcliffe had at the time been suffering from serious post-natal depression, believed her eight-month-old child was evil and the defendant had been worried about the infant's welfare.

Mulleny, who had dozens of previous convictions, was given five months to stay on the straight and narrow -- and a judge promised him if he did, he would not go to jail.

Recorder Hiranya Narayan deferred sentence until the beginning of December, but warned if Mulleny breached any court orders, he would end up behind bars.

Mulleny, of Shorrock Lane, Blackburn, had earlier admitted affray, last September.

Maisie Burke, prosecuting, said the defendant ran after the van and Miss Sutcliffe believed if he got into the vehicle he would kill her.