A HEROIN addict hit his year-old baby on the head and threatened to kill the child, a court was told.

Father-of-two John Gordon, 38, also struck his wife after he awoke in a foul mood and wanted drugs.

Burnley Crown Court heard how the infant had to be taken to hospital where she was found to have suffered two lumps to her head, but no damage to her skull.

Gordon was arrested, told to keep away from his wife but hours later was found by police near her home with a knife on him.

The defendant, who had been jailed for 12 months by magistrates, had his appeal against sentence thrown out, after a judge said his bid had been "wholly misconceived."

Recorder Robert Warnock said Gordon had an extensive criminal record and had he been sent to the Crown Court, the overwhelming probability was that he would have received a substantially greater sentence than 12 months.

He added the bench had only the powers of sentence of the lower court and was limited to 12 months.

Gordon, of Countess Street, Accrington, had earlier been convicted of two counts of common assault, making threats to kill and carrying a bladed weapon.

Kendal Lindley, for the Crown, said in April Gordon was staying at the home of his wife, which he occasionally did when he wanted money to buy heroin.

He woke up in a foul mood and even though he had been taking methadone, still wanted heroin.

Gordon began throwing property around the house and kicked over a television.

Mrs Gordon picked up the 12 months old baby and tried to escape. She was caught by Gordon at the bottom of the stairs and he began to rain blows on both her and the youngster.

Gordon hit the child on the head as his wife shouted: "John, the baby, the baby." He then threatened to kill her and the infant.

Mr Lindley said police were called by neighbours. Gordon was arrested. The child was taken to hospital.

When Gordon was arrested, he made it clear the incident was not over and he was going to 'sort out' his wife.

He appeared before magistrates, was remanded in custody and bailed not to approach his wife. Some hours after that, he was found by police with a knife on him.