A MAN lost control and picked up a three-year-old girl by gripping her around the face, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard the child's concerned mother took the tot to hospital when she feared a facial rash was meningitis.

Michael Marshall, 36, of Smith Street, Nelson, later owned up to hitting the little girl.

Unemployed Marshall was conditionally discharged for 12 months, after admitting common assault. He was ordered to pay £100 compensation and £40 costs.

Sarah Statham, prosecuting, told the court the child's mother noticed she was quiet and because of the rash she took the toddler to Burnley General Hospital. A paediatrician said the child was not ill, but had been hit on the left side of her face.

Marshall later admitted assaulting the little girl. He said he had lost his temper and picked her up by gripping her face.

He said he had slapped the child. Geoff Ireland, defending, said Marshall was not normally a violent man. He did not offer an excuse, but lost his temper in a "moment of madness".

At first, Marshall was ashamed and not prepared to admit what he had done. He was not ashamed of the fact he had to appear in court and have what he had done broadcast, but ashamed about the incident.

Mr Ireland said Marshall had been to his doctor, who had referred him for counselling. While on bail, the defendant had not been able to see his nephews and nieces without supervision.

Mr Ireland went on: "He apologises to the court, to the police, the child and her mother, and for the distress he has caused in this case."

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