A FATHER punched and kicked the boyfriend of his daughter's teacher over a dispute at school, a court heard yesterday.

Anthony Burton attacked Robert Cole, leaving him unconscious for a minute after kicking him in the face, Teesside Crown Court was told.

Paul Newcombe, prosecuting, said there had been a dispute between Burton's 15-year-old daughter and her teacher, Marie Stansmore, at Thornaby Community School.

Burton, 40, discovered Miss Stansmore's identity at a friend's barbecue.

Afterwards, he went to her home to confront her - standing "right in her face" on the doorstep.

Mr Newcombe said that after Mr Cole arrived, a scuffle broke out in which Burton punched him and kicked him in the head.

Edward Legard, defending, said his client knew that he been "out of order" and was genuinely sorry for what he had done.

He said Burton's daughter was bullied at school and the family home had been targeted by vandals.

Mr Legard said Burton was the sole carer of the child, who has since moved to another school, and if he was imprisoned, she would have to be placed into care.

He said Burton had been drinking on the day of the incident, which was "the result of two years of pent up frustration and anger".

"He is genuinely very sorry. He is not a violent man," he said.

The judge, Recorder Simon Bourne-Arton QC, said that in this day and age teachers were targeted by violence and, whether it was in the classroom or beyond, it was reprehensible. He said the courts had to protect them.

He said he would have sent Burton to prison if the effects on his family would not have been so devastating.

Burton, of Sherwood Road, Thornaby, admitted affray and was sentenced to a combination order of 80 hours' community punishment and a 12-month community rehabilitation order.

He was also ordered to pay £165 costs and £250 compensation to Mr Cole.