A FATHER who survived a near-fatal road accident is facing jail today after assaulting his partner while holding their two-week old baby.Lee Alan Nicholas, 29, left Sally Phillips with bruising to her face and arms and two black eyes in an attack also witnessed by two seven-year-old girls.

A FATHER who survived a near-fatal road accident is facing jail today after assaulting his partner while holding their two-week old baby.

Lee Alan Nicholas, 29, left Sally Phillips with bruising to her face and arms and two black eyes in an attack also witnessed by two seven-year-old girls.

Nicholas, of Rectory Road, Ipswich, appeared at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court with a chunk of skull missing from his head after an accident while walking across Wherstead Road in June 2006.

The court heard that Nicholas had been hit by a lorry and fell into a coma.

But he emerged from the coma and on January 15 the couple had an argument.

Nicholas lost his temper and destroyed one of Ms Phillips' bank cards when her friend Jade Brooks was there.

When Ms Brooks returned later in the day Nicholas, who appeared to have been drinking, punched Ms Phillips while holding the baby.

Nicholas, who was convicted of assault by battery in January last year, also hit a glass door inside the rented home, admitted common assault and criminal damage.

He had told police that he acted in self-defence because he feared he would be hit on the head during the argument.

He is due to have reconstructive surgery on his skull which will provide greater protection to his brain.

Gareth Davies, prosecuting, said an empty bottle of cider was seen in the house and two police officers said Nicholas appeared to have been drinking.

“He shouted 'come downstairs' and started punching Sally Phillips in the face. He clearly has a drink problem,” Mr Davies said.

Magistrates adjourned the case for pre-sentence reports. Nicholas was remanded in custody until he is sentenced on February 6.