A FATHER-to-be from Burnley who accused a crown court judge of having a “sour face” has kept his freedom, so he can see the arrival of his new son.

Joshua Samson Sykes, 21, made the comment after he left the dock at the town’s crown court, just after being remanded on bail in an assault trial.

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But Judge Beverley Lunt ordered him back into court on a contempt charge and asked him what he said.

Sykes didn’t deny making the comment and replied: “I’ve been told about you.”

Later in the day Sykes, of Billington Road, apologised for his remark, claiming he had been very worried as his partner was in hospital and about to give birth to his new son.

Defence counsel Kimberley Obrusik said it was accepted Sykes had made the comment.

She told the court: “He is very anxious to return to the hospital.

“He had come from there to be here for his court, which explains his outburst.

“He realises he should not have said what he did.”

Ms Obrusik said he may have misinterpreted comments made about his case and knew he should have shown more respect to the court.

Sykes said: “I apologise madam. It was a slip of the tongue. I am 21, I’m not a child and I should have known better.”

He had earlier denied a charge of assaulting Amy Addison, a girlfriend of one of his workmates, and will stand trial on November 23.

Judge Lunt said: “Why should I bear the brunt.”

But the judge allowed him bail until his trial and said: “I hope you will make a better father so I will grant you bail until then.”

The same judge hit the headlines earlier this year when she hauled two Accrington brothers, Daniel and Samuel Sledden, back to court for contempt after they posted ‘disgraceful’ comments about her.

The Sleddens were originally spared jail, for cannabis dealing offences, but were given two-year sentences on their return. An appeal by their lawyers against those terms was kicked out by Lord Chief Justice, Lord Thomas.