A FATHER-of-two who attacked his partner's sister in front of her and their children escaped a jail sentence yesterday.

Scott Milner pleaded guilty at Harrogate Magistrates' Court to assault on Janina Kozyra, the sister of his partner, Carie Burndred, affray and resisting police.

Caroline May, prosecuting, said Ms Burndred had been at the home she shared with Milner, 27, in Aspin Way, Knaresborough, with the children, aged seven and five, as well as friends.

Milner arrived, having drunk two litres of strong cider. He fell asleep in the garden, but 20 minutes later went into the kitchen where an argument started.

Ms May said Milner, a trainee electrician, pushed Ms Burndred and became aggressive when another woman intervened.

Ms Kozyra arrived and tried to calm the situation, but Milner punched her in the face. She picked up one of the children and ran to a neighbour's house. Another woman sat on Milner after he tripped and held him down until police arrived.

Milner's solicitor, Geoffrey Boothby, said his client accepted he had a serious drinking problem and had sought help.

Court chairman Michael Jefferies told Milner his remorse, previous good character and attempts to overcome his drink problem saved him from prison.

He was made subject to a community supervision order for two years and told to pay £70 costs and £100 compensation to Ms Kozyra.