A MAN ‘lost his temper’ when pushing, punching and spitting at the mother of his newborn baby, a court heard.

Ben Dixon, of Provincial Street, Barrow, was sentenced at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court after admitting one count of assault by beating.

Prosecutor Lee Dacre said a friend of the woman rang Dixon to ask if he would give her permission to go out to celebrate her birthday on December 29 last year.

“She was scared there might be another argument if she asked him,” Mr Dacre told the court.

“She was in the bedroom when the defendant got off the phone and started shouting at her. He told her she was a ‘really bad mum’.

“The defendant became angrier as she was trying to get changed and he lost his temper.”

The court was told Dixon – aged 22 - then pushed the woman onto the bed and punched her to the leg before spitting at her.

Mr Dacre said the incident ‘made her feel disgusting’.  

The court heard Dixon and the victim were in a relationship at the time and had recently had a daughter together.

Representing Dixon, Trystan Roberts said his client ‘overreacted’ when kicking out at the complainant after she had kicked him in the genitals.

“She had left the defendant with their newborn child for three days over the Christmas period,” Mr Roberts explained. He could not contact her and that is why the argument occurred on that particular day.

“This was a very chaotic relationship. He was suffering from lack of sleep and he overreacted. He admits in temper he committed the offence and he regrets his decision.

“This was not a prolonged and persistent assault but there is clearly a bruise and some distress caused.

“Having committed the offence, the child has remained with him. He loves being a father and is now thriving. He is doing very well as a young man who has taken on an enormous responsibility.”

Charles Crewdson, chairing the bench of magistrates in court, sentenced Dixon to an 18-month community order with requirements to complete five rehabilitation requirement days, 26 days of an accredited program, as well as 60 hours of unpaid work.

Dixon was also ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a £114 surcharge.