A DRUNKEN man attacked his wife and daughter after going on a 20-pint drinking spree, Warrington Crown Court heard last week.

He punched his wife repeatedly in the face, knocked her down and kicked her and then struck his nine-year-old daughter with a carrier bag, the court was told.

Kenneth Batty, 35, of Willow Close, Runcorn admitted assaulting Janet Batty and his daughter, Leanne and was jailed for nine months.

The court was told he was now reconciled with his wife and accepted he had a drink problem and needed help.

John Oates, prosecuting, said the couple had been married for 15 years but their relationship had been marred by his drink problems and violence.

Mrs Batty went out shopping with Leanne and invited her husband to accompany them. But he chose to go drinking instead.

In the evening he arrived home drunk and an argument started. He tore at her blouse and bra, injuring her chest.

The child was crying and saying "Don't hit my mum" but he repeatedly punched her about the face and she fell to the floor.

Mrs Batty saw her husband hit the terrified child on the head with a carrier bag.

He then turned on her again, kicking her as she lay on the floor. The next thing she knew she was in hospital.

Police arrested Batty after finding him drunk in a pub toilet.

Vincent Deane, defending, said Batty had been in custody since June.

He was reconciled with his wife and accepted he needed help for his drink problem.

But a job awaited him as a fork lift truck driver on his release from prison.

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