A DRUNKEN father of three punched through his estranged wife's front door as she held their hysterical son in her arms.

Jason Kendall Toothill, 34, had frightened the mother of his children after an altercation earlier in the evening. He had been intent on carrying on the row and had kicked and punched the door as the children were screaming, Burnley Magistrates heard.

Toothill, of Cambridge Street, Colne, admitted damage and was given a 12 months conditional discharge with £50 costs and compensation.

Steven Banks, defending, said Toothill and his wife had split up in April and he had continued seeing the children.

He had visited his wife and she had told him she wanted a formal arrangement and denied him access.

Mrs Toothill told her estranged husband he would not be allowed to see the children without making legal arrangements.

He had too much to drink, had been on strong medication for depression and the frustration led him to behave as he did.

Mr Banks added the defendant's actions had been stupid and reckless and he was sorry for what happened. He had not been in trouble for some time now.