A FATHER launched a violent assault on his 12-year-old daughter because he suspected she had been smoking.

Blackburn magistrates were told he slapped, punched and kicked her on Boxing Day.

The strict disciplinarian, who had previously assaulted a son and another daughter, then attacked presents the girl had received for Christmas.

He slashed her clothes with a Stanley knife, threw her mobile phone against the wall and smashed her hair straighteners and hair dryer.

The 47-year-old, who lives in Darwen, cannot be named for legal reasons. He admitted child cruelty and was committed on bail to Preston Crown Court for sentence.

Clare Fanning, prosecuting, said the incident started when the girl arrived home later than expected and she was asked if she had been smoking. Her father verbally abused her before slapping her four or five times across the face.

"She crouched down and tried to protect herself but he managed to punch her on the nose which started bleeding," said Miss Fanning. "He took hold of her left arm and twisted it before "booting" her in the ribs as she lay on the floor."

At that point the child's mother said there was no need for what was happening and pulled the girl away.

But he took her phone and smashed it before going to her room, slashing her clothes and breaking her hair equipment.

Daniel King, defending said his client did not attempt to excuse what he had done.

"He would concede that he is a strict disciplinarian and for that he does not apologise," said Mr King.