AN angry dad smashed his way into the home of his ex-partner and her new man in the early hours and grabbed him by the throat.

Ian Nuttall, 25, had to be dragged away from Tony Hyatt as he was arrested and handcuffed, Burnley magistrates heard.

Nuttall was sent to prison for three months after admitting affray. Allegations of aggravated burglary and assault causing actual bodily harm were discharged.

Sue Riley, prosecuting, said Nuttall, of Accrington Road, Burnley, smashed the living room window and entered the Padiham home of Hyatt, Donna Kenyon and Nuttall's daughter.

Police arriving at 3am saw Nuttall's T-shirt and jacket on the road. Inside the house Nuttall and Hyatt were struggling, with Nuttall's hands around Mr Hyatt's neck.

Dylan Bradshaw, defending, said police had been concerned about the "strict and violent regime" Mr Hyatt subjected Miss Kenyon to.

A friend had told Nuttall he should be concerned about the effect Mr Hyatt's volatile nature could have on his two-year-old daughter.

Nuttall decided to go round and confront Mr Hyatt, knowing his daughter was not at the house.

Mr Hyatt taunted Nuttall about his daughter and Nuttall became extremely upset.

Mr Bradshaw added Nuttall had now spent a significant time in custody.

However, he accepted the circumstances of the offence crossed the "custody threshold".

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