AN amphetamine addict who attacked his father then turned on a child who saw what happened.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Mark Anthony Davison, 29, armed himself with a heavy metal fireside set and threatened to smash his father's skull if he did not give him some cash.

He then headbutted his father in the face and struck him before punching and kicking the child, leaving her with a bloody nose, other injuries and screaming and sobbing.

Davison wiped away tears in the dock as his solicitor told the court his family had not wanted the case to continue and now wanted him home.

The defendant, who has spent a month in custody, was given a 12 months community rehabilitation order and told to pay £75 compensation. Davison, of Howsin Street, Burnley, and then of William Street, Colne, had admitted two counts of assault by beating, on June 15.

Joanne Shahzada, prosecuting, said Davison then lived across the road from his parents on William Street and had been for tea.

He began to demand money and, when he was told he couldn't have any, threatened to smash his father's skull.

The defendant then punched his father in the head several times.

Mr Davison managed to get his son off him and tried to get him out of the house. The defendant headbutted his father, forcing him back on the couch.

The victim got back to his feet but was hit in the face. Mr Davison finally found £10, handed it over to his son and told him to leave.

Miss Shazada said Mr Davison heard screaming and when he went into the kitchen, he found the child on the floor.

She had been dialling 999 for the police and when the operator answered, Davison had taken the phone off her, dragged her across the floor by her hair, picked her up by the chin and thrown her across the room.

The defendant then dragged her to the back door by her hair, shoved her head in the doorway and tried to shut it. He followed it up by punching, slapping and kicking the girl.

The prosecutor said the child suffered a bloody nose and pain to her head, jaw and the top of her leg. Mr Davison received bruising and swelling to his head. The defendant swore at police and tried to run away.

Glen Smith, defending, said Davison accepted the incident was quite traumatic for the victims. Davison had been in custody for about a month.

The defendant's parents were eager to support him. They did not approve of his behaviour but felt that when he had got his head round his problems he was the son that they wanted and wanted to have a relationship with.