A FARMER who produced a knife at the marital home and also assaulted his wife has walked free from court – thanks to the victim.

Father-of-one Paul Latham, 36, banged Amy Latham’s head repeatedly on the tiled bathroom wall after grabbing her hair as she sat on the toilet.

He threatened her sister with the knife and went on to attack his wife in the car, Burnley Crown Court heard.

The defendant, now separated from his wife and living with a new partner and her children, struck in front of his ‘terrified’ son.

Latham was said to minimise and deny what he had done and to think it was ‘only’ domestic violence.

The defendant, of Noggarth Road, Roughlee, had admitted affray and common assault.

Latham, who had no previous convictions, received 20 weeks’ jail, suspended for a year, with 12 months’ supervision.

Sentencing, Judge Heather Lloyd told him domestic violence was just as serious as any other kind of violence and perhaps more so and any views it was ‘only’ domestic violence were from a bygone era.

The judge said it was quite clear Mrs Latham was extremely sad about the situation and was embarrassed people knew, but she wanted the defendant to get help.

Judge Lloyd said: “You should be thoroughly ashamed. I hope that you have learned your lesson and I hope you will learn to curb your temper.”

Jeremy Lasker, for Latham, said he had been to see his doctor about his aggression, had been diagnosed with mild depression and had been given medication and advice.