A 29-year-old Ballymena man has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for assaulting his then partner while she held their eight-week-old baby.

Ryan Lynn, of Kintyre Park, Ballymena, pleaded guilty to charges of assault, threatening behaviour, and possession of cannabis at Ballymena Magistrates' Court.

The court heard that the woman was feeding the baby at around 4am on 3 January when Lynn, who was sleeping beside her, began tossing and turning. Concerned he might disturb the child, she nudged him lightly. He reacted by becoming aggressive, shouting at her and threatening to strike her.

She went downstairs to the living room, but Lynn followed and continued to shout. While she tried to shield the baby, Lynn lunged with both hands and struck her on the lip, splitting it.

The prosecutor said the woman was terrified and called the police.

District Judge Nigel Broderick described the incident as truly appalling and said it was very fortunate the child was not injured. He noted that Lynn had 38 previous convictions, including a prior assault on another partner, and had not previously been jailed.

The defence highlighted Lynn's addiction issues and stated that he was remorseful and had written a letter of apology.

Alongside the custodial sentence, the judge imposed a two-year restraining order. Lynn was granted £500 bail pending appeal due to the next appeal court sitting in September.