SHIFT worker Andrew Fields claimed lack of sleep contributed to his "loss of control" when he shook a young child and threw a pram which hit the youngster.

Bury magistrates heard that Fields, aged 38, of Bronte Avenue, Bury, had been left in charge of the child when he had just finished a 12 hour night shift -- the sixth in a row.

The court heard that a babysitter organised by the child's mother, who was working, had let them down.

Fields who had only had a couple of hours' sleep had to look after the child.

Prosecuting, Dr Roger Woods said that later in the day Fields had taken the child to meet with its mother. She didn't suspected anything was wrong until they went into a brightly lit store.

According to the prosecution it was at that stage that she noticed a lump on the youngster's head, bruises to the face and a grazed lip.

Dr Woods said that the child would not say what had happened but later admitted that Fields had thrown the pram.

Doctors who examined the injuries confirmed they were of a non-accidental nature.

Fields pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and to wilfully assaulting a child he had responsibility for.

Defending Mr Stanley Sumara said that despite the incident the child's mother was still standing by Fields.

He told the magistrates: "The charges stem from one incident which lasted about 30 seconds. It is for you to decide what to do about that loss of control."

Fields was put on probation for 12 months and ordered to do 100 hours community service.

In addition there were court costs of £118.