Iron-attack man gets 18 months in prison

A council worker has been jailed for 18 months after leaving his girlfriend scarred for life by burning her arm with a red hot iron.

Philip Littleford (28), of Doyle Close, Oldham, argued with his girlfriend Melanie Didsbury while she was doing the ironing.

During the row, in June, last year, Littleford picked up the iron. Miss Didsbury said: “Go on, I dare you,” and he took it to her arm.

Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, heard how Littleford, who works for Oldham Council’s recycling team, then left the family home and went to his father’s house in Oldham where he was later arrested.

When he was first interviewed by police, Littleford denied burning Miss Didsbury — insisting she inflicted the burns on herself. He eventually pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.

It emerged Littleford was cautioned with common assault on the same person the day before the iron incident.

Jon Gregg, defending Littleford, said: “He was dreading today. He is a man who is loved by his children and they spoke of their love for him.

“He was granted bail so he could spend Christmas with his family.

“He is very fortunate in these times to have a job and he gives his children £50 a week from his wage and never misses a payment.”

Judge Jeffrey Lewis told Littleford: “You were at your home when you were saying things to each other you did not like. She was doing the ironing and you took it upon yourself to pick up the iron.

“When she said ‘I dare you’ — you put it on her upper right arm.

“She is most upset, uncomfortable and embarrassed by the scar.

“You have a valuable job as part of a recycling team for Oldham Council and you serve the community and you are a good father so you present me with an impossible dilemma.”

The court heard Miss Didsbury does not want to continue her relationship with Littleford.