A 24-YEAR-OLD man who could not accept the relationship with the mother of his children was over became violent towards her as he tried to take her mobile phone.

Blackburn magistrates heard as Steven McDougall was attacking his former partner one of their young children, who had come down stairs, said: “Daddy don’t hurt mummy.”

McDougall, of Spire Close, Darwen, pleaded guilty to assaulting Jenna Walmsley.

He was made subject to community supervision for 18 months with a condition he completes the Safer Relationships programme, ordered to do 60 hours unpaid work and pay £145 costs.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said McDougall had been looking after the children while Miss Walmsley was at university.

He was angry when she was an hour late getting home and started asking the children who her ‘new fella’ was.

“She told him to stop and sent the children upstairs,” said Miss Allan.

“He lunged at her and tried to grab he phone. She was knocked to the floor and there was a struggle taking place when one of the children came down.”

Gareth Price, defending, said McDougall had apologised for his behaviour on the night.

“It is particularly unfortunate that the children witnessed the end of this incident,” said Mr Price.

“He accepts the relationship is over.”