A MAN has been warned he may be facing prison after admitting assaulting a child.

David Jason Pattison pleaded guilty causing actual bodily harm when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court yesterday (Thursday).

And the youngster’s father spoke of his relief that the 41-year-old had changed his plea after previously entering 'not guilty' when he appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court earlier this month.

Pattison, of Wetherall Avenue, Yarm, near Stockton, was charged with assaulting the child last year.

He was granted conditional bail while a pre-sentence report is carried out.

Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Simon Bourne-Arton told him: “Don’t think that because I’m releasing you on bail that custody is not an option – all options remain open and I will leave that decision to the judge.”

Speaking afterwards, the child's father said: “It beggars belief that someone could do this to a child. I am relieved that he has accepted responsibility for what he has done and I hope that he can get some help.

“The bruises on the bottom were purple, not red from a slap, but a deep plum colour, which to me shows the level of the injuries.”

Pattison is due to appear before Teesside Crown Court on Thursday, October 31 for sentence.

The child’s father added: “I hope that he gets sent to prison for what he did but I also he gets some professional help.

“Hopefully, once this is all over, we as a family can all move forward and put this horrendous episode behind us.”