A 15-year-old girl intervened as her dad beat her mum in an unprovoked attack sparked by his jealousy, a court heard.

Hyndburn magistrates heard James Dennett knocked his wife to the floor before repeatedly punching her.

Their daughter had already phoned the police because she feared what might happen.

Dennett, 38, of Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Marie Dennett.

He was made subject to community supervision for two years with a condition he attends the domestic violence programme and ordered to pay £65 costs.

Philippa White, prosecuting, said there had been problems in the marriage since 2000 when Dennett started accusing his wife of having affairs, claims which she denied.

On the night of the assault they had been out and had discussed the allegations and he had become agitated.

She left and went home by taxi and when he returned shortly after the row continued.

"He was aggressive and their daughter was so concerned she went upstairs to phone the police," said Mrs White.

"He said he would make it worth their while and with that he punched her in the chest knocking her to the floor."

After the girl had pulled her dad away, they fled the house.

Scott Parker, defending, said Dennett was deeply ashamed of what had happened.