AN angry dad who got his former partner by the throat and gave her a black eye in a public row over seeing their baby has been spared immediate jail.

Burnley Crown Court heard how James Liversidge's victim Kelly Doogan was at first thought to have suffered a fracture but ended up with redness and swelling after the street fracas.

Liversidge, 26, of Forfar Street, Burnley, admitted affray and escape from custody.

He was given 28 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, with two years supervision and the community domestic violence programme.

John O'Shea, prosecuting, told the court Miss Doogan was on her way to help at a wedding when Liversidge ran up, demanding his daughter.

Liversidge was to have contact with his child the day before, but had gone out for the night in Blackpool and left her with his mother.

Miss Doogan had gone and got the child back.

The defendant got the victim by the throat, others tried to separate them, Miss Doogan bit him to release his grip, got a branch and Liversidge struck her in the eye.

Mr O'Shea said in February police went to Liversidge's flat when he had jumped out of the window. He later handed himself in to police.

Philip Holden, defending, said Liversidge had sought to minimise his behaviour, and was willing to complete any order.