A DAD has been handed a suspended prison sentence after assaulting his former partner while she held their baby in her arms.

Stephen Atkinson, of McCarthy Close, Birchwood, appeared in Warrington Magistrates' Court after kicking down his wife's front door and spraining her wrist in November.

Paula Grogan, prosecuting, said the pair are now separated after being together for 12 years.

On November 20, Atkinson, 46, sent texts to his wife concerning contact with his two children.

The court heard how, at about 7.40pm, he turned up at Mrs Atkinson's home, shouting that he wanted to come in before kicking down the door.

Mrs Atkinson held their baby in her arms and their other child was behind her.

Ms Grogan told the court how Atkinson grabbed hold of his wife's wrist and twisted it, making her fear she would drop the baby and she was forced towards to the ground.

As a result, she suffered a sprained wrist which was bruised and had to be bandaged.

Atkinson pleaded guilty to forcing entry and was found guilty of the assault after a trial.

In a victim impact statement read in court, Mrs Atkinson said: "I still can't believe it got to that point.

"His actions have completely destroyed life as we know it.

"He did not say anything throughout the whole assault which, looking back, is what made it so sinister."

She could not properly close the front door because of the damage he had made to it, leaving her and her children vulnerable and having to organise another door to be installed.

John Black, defending, said his client has no previous convictions.

He added that Atkinson accepts the decision of the court and he can understand the impact his behaviour has had.

The court heard how he regrets his decision.

Passing sentence, District Judge Knight said: "You kicked your way through the front door of the family home where Mrs Atkinson was home with the children, indeed holding your son in her arms.

"That in itself must have been a terrifying ordeal for her."

District Judge Knight said that Atkinson 'blew' his chance at keeping a civil relationship with his wife and his children.

She added: "The whole thing blew up into the air by the way you dealt with it."

He was handed a 16 week prison sentence suspended for 12 months, as well as being made subject to a four-year restraining order.

Atkinson must comply with a six-week curfew between 9pm and 7am and complete 20 rehabilitation activity days.

The court ordered him to pay £700 in compensation.