A FATHER will never have a normal family life again after he shook his tiny baby in a fit of temper, York Crown Court heard.

Paramedics had to resuscitate the eight-week-old boy and take him to hospital following the incident, said Nicholas Barker, prosecuting.

York Crown Court heard that the tiny baby suffered brain injuries and had grazes, cuts and marks to his head, neck, arms and body, but suffered no permanent harm.

Defence barrister Steven Grattage said the 31-year-old father can now only see the son once a month under social services' supervision instead of living with him. Recorder Stuart Brown QC warned the father that any future partnerships he formed would be scrutinised by the authorities.

"You know only too well that you are fortunate and your son is fortunate that the consequences of your momentary loss of control were not more serious," the judge said. "You do not need me to tell you that."

The father, now of north York, who cannot be identified for legal reasons to protect the child, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.

He no longer lives with the baby's mother.

He was given a 36-week prison sentence suspended for two years on condition that he does two years' supervision, a probation service rehabilitation programme and 80 hours' unpaid work. Mr Barker said the terrified mother rang 999 fearing that her son was dying.

He was not breathing after she left him alone with the father while she bathed her older child. The father claimed the son had fallen from the sofa.

Paramedics restored the baby's breathing. He briefly recovered and started crying, but then his condition deteriorated and the ambulance crew took him to hospital where a brain scan revealed he had two sub haematomas, which are often signs that a baby has been shaken.

The father later confessed that the baby fell on the sofa as he was trying to stop him crying. In frustration, he shook the baby, but without intending to harm him.