A FATHER who assaulted his six-month-old daughter has escaped jail.
Darren Lyle was convicted of causing bruises to his baby’s face after he was left alone caring for her on January 26 last year.
His daughter, Sophie, who is now about 21 months old, suffered bruising to her face.
Lyle, 31, of Selwick Close, Southport, admitted causing the injuries, but denied assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Jurors unanimously found Lyle guilty of assault at Liverpool Crown Court at an earlier hearing.
The 31-year-old said he had accidently grabbed her around the face in a panic after she had fallen off the sofa when he reached for her bottle.
Judge John Roberts yesterday gave Lyle a three-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, as well as a 12-month supervision order and 200 hours’ community service.
