AN angry man who set about smashing a car with a 12-year-old boy inside, has kept his freedom.

David Gregory, 25, who had earlier brandished a key ring with an imitation knife in front of the child's father, behaved totally out of character in a drunken outburst, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Gregory was told by a judge he could have had no complaint if he had been sent to jail.

Judge Barbara Watson said the courts were weary of listening to cases such as his where young men turned to violence in drink and behaved in a way they normally wouldn't. She added it must have been very frightening for the boy in the car as the defendant tried to punch his way through the window after losing control.

Gregory, a six days a week shift worker, of Brunshaw Avenue, Burnley, admitted threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and criminal damage and was given 180 hours community punishment. He must also pay £40 compensation.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said last August the father and son were in a car driving down Lonsdale Street, Accrington.

The defendant was spotted with two other people and there was shouting between the two parties. The 49-year-old father got out of his vehicle and a confrontation between the man and Gregory followed.

Mr Lamberty added a taxi driver then saw the defendant smash the window of the man's car as his 12 year old son sat inside.

Katherine Pierpoint, defending, said Gregory worked, had a settled home life and did not regularly go out and drink the amount of alcohol he had on that night.

He pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. Gregory claimed abuse had come from the 49 year old man.