A NEW Burnley dad was arrested after breaking the terms of his bail by turning up at the birth.

Burnley magistrates heard how James Ward was arrested just after his partner had given birth and he slept in a chair in the early hours at Burnley General Hospital.

Ward was on bail and banned from contacting Victoria Brittan but had turned up at the hospital for the birth of their child at her invitation, the court was told.

The defendant, of Pennistone Street, Burnley, has pleaded guilty to assaulting her and a trial was due to be held over the facts today.

Ward admitted breaching bail and told the bench: "Wild horses couldn't have kept me away.

"It's only because I love them both."

The court was told Miss Brittan wanted to reconcile with Ward and wanted him with her and their child.

Prosecutor Bill Maude said he did not object to removing the bail condition banning him from contacting the victim.

Mr Maude had told the hearing Ward was "rather put out," when he was arrested and told officers he was aware of the bail conditions.

David Lawson, for Ward, said when police turned up the defendant asked them :"Have you no heart?"

He was then kept in custody for over 24 hours.

Mr Lawson said :"It was a long difficult birth and she wants him with her to give her support."