A FATHER of four who wanted to take his children out of the country slapped his estranged wife and pulled the phone from the wall.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Iftikar Ashgar, 27, had gone to the woman's home demanding his passport to take the youngsters "out of the jurisdiction" - and he was not planning to bring them back.

Ashgar, of North Street, Burnley, was put on probation for two years by Recorder Harry Narayan, who told him a condition was that he must receive medical treatment.

The judge, who had read a letter "in the defendant's favour," from his wife, added other courts would look at the issues relating to the four children, aged between six months and six. Ashgar earlier admitted criminal damage and common assault.

Fiorella Brereton, prosecuting, said last November the defendant arrived at his estranged wife's house, where she was making tea for the children. Ashgar was angry as he entered through the kitchen door and threw the complainant's clothes out of the house.

Ashgar's wife made a comment about his mother and he slapped her. The defendant demanded his passport "to take his children out of the jurisdiction" and said that at the time he was stoned on cannabis. She gave him the passport so that he could take the youngsters to his brother's in Dubai, or to Pakistan.

Miss Brereton said it was clear Ashgar's intention was not to bring them back. Because of the defendant's behaviour, his wife called the police, but before they arrived, he pulled the phone from the wall, causing £30 damage. He was arrested the next day.

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