A DRUNKEN 22-year-old man assaulted his brother-in-law during a dispute over a child the older man was babysitting.

Blackburn magistrates heard Adam Hesketh punched his sister’s partner four times in the face and they struggled on the floor before he left the house.

The court was told the victim had been worried for his own safety and the three children he was looking after.

Hesketh, 22, of Craven Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to assaulting Kieran Driver.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a six months alcohol treatment requirement, 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay £100 compensation and £85 victim surcharge.

Enza Geldard, prosecuting, said Mr Driver was baby sitting three children when Hesketh came into the house to get changed.

He went to an upstairs bedroom and then told Mr Driver he was taking one of the children with him.

Scott Parker, defending, said when Hesketh went upstairs to get changed one of the children woke and he spoke to him.

“He wasn’t going to take the child out of the house."