A KNIFE-WIELDING father who attacked his wife and wrecked their house after a drinking binge avoided a jail sentence - after his victim told a judge she wanted him home.

Mary Smith sobbed as she told a court she was was due to go in hospital for investigation into a breast lump.

Mrs Smith said her husband Stephen had not "touched a drop," of alcohol since the trouble last October, she had made a full recovery from her injuries and she needed his support. She told Judge Barbara Watson: "I want him back home."

Smith was told by the judge he had subjected Mrs Smith to a humiliating and very frightening experience and had completely lost control of himself.

Judge Watson went on: "If this happened outside the home you would be going to prison immediately. It happened inside the home but if you did not have your wife's forgiveness today you would also be going to jail."

She added she did not know if the defendant had given up "binge drinking," - it may be just a lull, but it seemed much more constructive to deal with Smith in the community.

The judge went on: "The public interest does not require you to go to prison. Your family and wife clearly need you home in what is going to be a very difficult time."

Smith, of Chessington Green, Burnley, had admitted affray. He was given a two year community rehabilitation order, at Burnley Crown Court.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said the defendant had been drinking, went home and and trouble with his partner followed as a woman who went to the house saw him brandishing a knife.

Mrs Smith was distressed, Smith was waving the weapon around in front of her face and when a child came into the room the woman was anxious they should not see what was going on.

The defendant was shouting and screaming and pushed Mrs Smith over, but the woman managed to push Smith away and phone 999. Her husband then arrived, pinned the defendant in a corner, punched, kicked and subdued him. When police arrived, Smith was crouched on the floor crying.

Smith had damaged the house and injured his wife but when he was interviewed the following day, he could recollect nothing about what happened other than being subdued.

Tim White, defending, said domestic violence was intolerable and inexcusable. Smith was fortunate his wife, who could have suffered grievous injury, had forgiven him and was standing by him.

Smith had lived in a probation hostel for a while after the offence, but returned home last November.