A NEW dad who attacked his partner after being woken to look after their baby has been given a chance to avoid jail.

Bolton Crown Court heard how Christopher Hooton had fallen asleep in his living room after drinking seven cans of lager on the evening of June 6.

His partner of three years, Kayleigh Shepherd went to bed, but when the couple's baby daughter woke at 8am she took her downstairs so Hooton could take his turn at feeding her and putting her in her baby walker.

Elizabeth Evans, prosecuting, said Miss Shepherd went back to bed but was woken again a short time later by the baby crying.

She found 24-year-old Hooton asleep again in the living room and so woke him and shouted at him.

Miss Evans said that Hooton became angry and punched a kitchen door before pushing Miss Shepherd so hard she fell over and banged her lip on the floor.

He then tore open the front door to leave the house, damaging the handle and wall.

After being arrested a short time later Hooton, of Uganda Street, Bolton, admitted the offences and pleaded guilty to assault and criminal damage.

Judge Timothy Stead heard that, at the time, Hooton was subject to a suspended prison sentence for threatening behaviour.

Nicholas Ross, defending, said Hooton was immediately remorseful and is hopeful of a reconciliation with Miss Shepherd.

Judge Stead decided to defer sentencing Hooton until January 8 to give him an opportunity to prove he can stay out of trouble.

"What I am willing to do is test the defendant's resolve," he said.

He told Hooton: "If you fail it is extremely likely that you will go to prison. It is up to you."