A FATHER-OF-FIVE attacked his babysitter's stepfather after his night out was brought to an early end, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Michael Chappell, 26, chased victim John Kyme and then dragged him along the ground.

Mr Kyme had left a message on the defendant's mobile phone asking him to come home because of a family crisis.

Chappell, of Barr Street, Burnley, admitted assault and was given a 12 month conditional discharge, with £75 compensation. The bench told him to some extent he had been "provoked into," the offence.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said Mr Kyme's 17-year-old daughter had been looking after the defendant's children when a family problem arose. He went to Chappell's house and asked his step-daughter to return home.

The babysitter phoned Chappell twice and was assured he would be home in ten minutes.

Mr Kyme then went round to the defendant's house and found the 17-year-old sitting on the steps waiting for the defendant. He phoned Chappell and left a message on his mobile phone, asking him to go home straight away.

Mr Robinson said when the defendant returned, the victim tried to explain what was going on at his home. Chappell started to follow him, a chase developed and Chappell dragged the complainant to the floor.

Graeme Tindall, defending, said Chappell had been on his way to apologise for his behaviour when the police arrived and arrested him.