A FATHER-of-three attacked a police officer who turned up to a domestic row.

Burnley magistrates heard how drunken Anthony Barry Simpson, 35, punched PC Christopher Lewis in the jaw.

Simpson, who had never been in trouble before, had been convicted of police assault, on April 22.

The defendant, of Keighley Avenue, Colne, was given a three-month jail term, suspended for 12 months, with a three-month curfew between 9pm and 6am.

He must also pay £100 compensation and £100 costs.

The magistrates said police assault was taken very seriously by the courts and the penalty had to show it would not be tolerated.

Carl Gaffney, prosecuting, told the court police were called at 4am as an emergency and could see the "aftershock" of a domestic incident.

PC Lewis put his arm in front of Simpson's chest to prevent him from running out and Simpson swung round, threw a punch and hit him in the jaw.

Mr Gaffney said the officer suffered discomfort to his jaw which was red and slightly swollen.

Sarah Lyle, defending, said Simpson had been drunk and could not remember what happened.

He was sorry and wished to express regret. The action was impulsive, albeit deliberate.