A DEPRESSED father-of-two who attacked his wife in a row over a baby's dummy was given a community order.

Andrew Aspinall, 33, had punched Michelle Holden and then used her own hands to strike her around the face.

Miss Holden was left shocked by her husband's behaviour and is divorcing him, Burnley Magistrates heard.

Aspinall, of Barlows Buildings, Rawtenstall, admitted assault.

He was given a 12-month order with supervision and must pay £100 compensation and £95 costs.

Elizabeth Read, prosecuting, said the couple had been married for two years, had separated and were back together for a trial period.

Miss Holden's three-year-old child was playing on the floor and Aspinall was looking for their 20-month-old baby's dummy.

He got angry, punching Miss Holden in the thigh. She kicked out and he punched her in the face.

He followed her upstairs, forced her on to the bed, grabbed her wrists and hit her with her own hands.

Mrs Read said police arrived and Aspinall told officers his wife dominated and oppressed him.

David Leach, defending, said Aspinall had no previous convictions for violence.

He had suffered depression for nine years since he was questioned over allegations someone else was later convicted of.

The solicitor added the defendant did not have any major issues with drink and was said to be at a low risk of reoffending.