A DISGRUNTLED father-of-two created mayhem outside his estranged wife's home because he wanted to see his children, a court was told.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Richard Turton, 29, "lost it,"shouting abuse and setting about wrecking his ex-partner's car because she was planning a few days away.

His young children were in the house at the time -- and a judge told him that was not the way to keep their love and respect.

Turton, a former able seaman who has never been in trouble before, was given 12 months community rehabilitation by Recorder Tonya Griffiths, who said she was prepared to accept his "drunken, loutish," behaviour was an isolated incident and out of frustration.

The judge told the defendant many people faced the problems he had -- but they didn't act out their grievances in front of the whole neighbourhood at 3am, causing fear and distress to their family.

She said Turton claimed he was a loving and caring father, but she would leave that judgement to others. What he did would have upset his children, who were only four and two at the time.

Turton, of Branch Street, Nelson, had earlier admitted affray and criminal damage, last October.

John Marsh, prosecuting, said the defendant's estranged wife called police and when an officer arrived, Turton was shouting she was a slut and that she was not going to replace his children with her "fancy man."

Turton then smashed the front and back windscreens of his wife's car with a piece of concrete and walked towards the police with his hands behind his back, saying:"Just take me."

The defendant was arrested and cautioned and replied :"Whatever I say will be recorded, won't it ? She's a slut." He was handcuffed and taken to the police station. Turton had no previous convictions and did not threaten the police.

David Oultram, defending, said Turton had "lost it," and behaved foolishly and in a temper.