A MAN threw a teething ring at his partner as she was feeding their baby.

Blackburn magistrates heard the ring skimmed off her head before Lee Pilkington told her to pack her bag and leave their caravan.

At one point he tried to stop her getting to her child and grabbed her by the arms and threw her against the caravan.

Pilkington, 49, of Read Street, Clayton-le-Moors, pleaded guilty to assault. He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison suspended for 18 months, made subject to a community order for 18 months with 30 days rehabilitation activity requirement. He was made subject to a restraining order for 18 months which prohibits him from having any contact with the victim.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said the couple had ben out for the day and were having a barbecue when he became angry, threw the teething ring and told her to leave.

"She accepts making derogatory comments towards him as she was packing," said Mrs Yates. "He walked over and punched her to the head. She was trying to get to the child but he wasn't letting her.

"She was screaming that she wanted to get her baby," said Mrs Yates. "She said the incident left her scared and fearing for her life."

Gareth Price, defending, urged the magistrates to adopt the recommendations in a pre-sentence report.

He said his client had demonstrated that he could keep out of trouble for many years on several occasions.