A man with anger issues and a cannabis habit has escaped a prison sentence - despite hitting a newborn baby in the face.

Lewis Brimble was witnessed striking the youngster with the open palm of his hand during a violent assault in Melksham, Wiltshire.

The 24-year-old appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Monday (February 27) after pleading guilty to a charge of actual bodily harm.

The baby was taken to hospital and underwent numerous examinations and scans following the incident - but avoided any long-lasting injuries.

The court heard how Brimble has anger issues, often consumes too much alcohol and smokes cannabis.

In police interview, he denied the assault and said he'd not been drinking and wasn't under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident.

The child's mother, in a statement read out by prosecutor Keith Ballinger, said that the victim is "scared of voices and loud noises" and "struggles to accept some people".

Addressing Brimble, District Judge Joanna Dickens said: "It's incredibly serious to assault anybody, but to assault a baby is just off the scale - particularly as this child was so incredibly young.

"It's quite extraordinary that anyone would act in the way you did; it's about as serious as it gets. It is very rare for this court to see assaults on children so young.

"You yourself have some issues but you're able to work, you're able to function. This was a terrible action by you, I accept it was in the heat of the moment.

"Nothing can take back your actions on that particular day. It's unfortunate you didn't apologise in the interview.

Judge Dickens imposed a 26-week prison sentence suspended for two years. She told Brimble to complete 35 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours of unpaid work. He must pay a £128 surcharge and £85 costs.

She reserved breaches of the order to herself - telling the defendant she will send him straight to prison should he return to court for failing to complete what's been asked of him.