AN 11-year-old girl lost large clumps of hair when she was attacked by a man, a court was told.

The girl, who lives in Horwich with her mother, had revealed a confidence and Kevin Campbell, who had been drinking, lost his temper and grabbed her by the hair.

The terrified girl was then punched on the head by Campbell, aged 43, who admitted losing control after a drinking session.

Yesterday Campbell, of Coniston Avenue, Farnworth, was jailed for eight months at Bolton Crown Court.

He had earlier admitted assaulting the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, on January 8.

Prosecutor June Morris said the girl had at least three bald patches as a result of the assault and the judge was shown photographs of her injuries.

She added that Campbell had described the girl as a "little bitch" and an "obnoxious brat".

When police arrived at the house they found the girl cowering with her mother and officers recovered a large amount of hair from the floor.

Mark Fireman, defending, said that Campbell had been diagnosed as suffering from depression since the incident.

He said the attack was completely out of character but he recognised that as an adult he should not have behaved in such a way.

Judge John Roberts said that anybody attacked an 11-year-old girl had to expect a custodial sentence. Campbell was jailed for eight months.