A MAN who told his solicitor he just wanted to reconcile with his wife following a violent incident had his hopes dashed when the prosecutor told a court she had asked for a restraining order.

Blackburn magistrates heard Dariusz Karkula had assaulted his wife and damaged a door and a stair gate in their home after he had been drinking brandy.

Karkula, 42, of Brook Street, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to assault, criminal damage and resisting a police officer. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 40 hours unpaid work.

Ruby Mckeague, prosecuting, said the victim was at home with her mother and her young children and the defendant was drinking brandy. In the early hours he woke her and he was clearly drunk.

"He threw a drink over and made comments about her going back to Poland," said Miss Mckeague.

Karkula was pushed out of the room and his partner put a piece of furniture across the door. He punched a hole through the door before pushing it open. The piece of furniture fell on the baby's cot but the child did not wake up and was not injured.

"When he forced the door open her arm was trapped between the door and the cabinet," said Miss Mckeague.

David Lawson, defending, said his client had no previous convictions. He said mental health problems and excessive alcohol were behind the offence.

"He told me he hoped for a reconciliation but his hopes in that regard have been crushed by the application for a restraining order," said Mr Lawson.