A DEVIZES dad who set out to "wet the baby's head" after hearing his partner was pregnant ended up terrorising his 18-month-old child and her babysitter, Kennet magistrates heard on Tuesday.

Carl Fletcher, 28, of Victoria Road, Devizes, had pleaded guilty to charges of criminal damage to a glass panel and the door of a car during his rampage in the town on the evening of May 9.

Frank Murphy, prosecuting, told the court that Fletcher had set out with a friend to celebrate the news of his partner's pregnancy and had drunk eight or nine pints and a number of shots of spirits.

Mr Murphy said that Fletcher had had a lot on his mind and was under some personal pressure. He set off home about 10.30pm but instead went to the home of an ex-partner, Michelle Morris. He banged on the door and swore, eventually smashing a glass panel beside the front door.

He then went to his own home in Victoria Road where a friend, Lisa Burberry, was babysitting his 18-month-old child. He was reported as having been abusive to the babysitter and to his own daughter. He then went outside and kicked Miss Burberry's car, causing about £500 damage.

After being arrested, Fletcher was found in possession of a small quantity of cannabis. He also pleaded guilty to this charge. Trevor Line, defending, said that emotional problems coupled with drinking led to the offences. Mr Line said: "He accepts he has difficulties in controlling his emotions. He is very depressed about what happened at both houses."

He added that he had been extremely co-operative with police.

Fletcher was sentenced to a two-year community rehabilitation order, during which he has to attend the Think First programme to help manage his emotional problems. He was ordered to pay £250 compensation.