A FATHER of three has avoided jail time after pleading guilty to using threatening behaviour towards a child who allegedly bullied his children.

Christopher Cooper, 37, of Duddon Drive, Walney, was due to appear before a district judge today to stand trial after initially pleading not guilty to a section four public order offence after allegedly approaching the child.

However, before the trial was set to start, a fresh charge was entered, to which Cooper pleaded guilty.

The new charge was for using threatening or abusive behaviour likely to cause alarm or distress.

A visibly emotional Cooper admitted to this behaviour, but in mitigation it was said that it was only because he felt there was no other option.

Mr Trystan Roberts, defending, said: "The defendant has felt at the end of his tether. He has unfortunately taken it into his own hands."

Cooper was driven to his course of action over the alleged bullying that two of his children were subjected to over a period of time, the court was told.

The matter came to a head in March of last year, when Cooper approached a child who was alleged to have carried out the bullying.

The court heard that on March 3 at 8.35am Cooper approached the child.

Mr Lee Dacre, prosecuting, told the court that Cooper raised his voice to the child and jabbed his finger repeatedly at them.

Before sentencing, District Judge Gerald Chalk told Cooper: "I give you credit for pleading guilty.

"However, I must make it absolutely clear, your behaviour was a clear case of bullying.

"You, as a parent should have known a lot better than that."

Cooper was given a £120 fine, ordered to pay £85 court costs and to pay a victim surcharge of £20.

He was also ordered to make no contact, direct or indirect with the child he approached.

Speaking outside the court after sentencing Cooper expressed his anger over the judgement.

He said: "I'm distressed, but relieved that it's over for my family.

"As a father you have to love and defend your family. When you're let down by two institutions that are supposed to protect your children, you're left with no option.

"I felt I had no option than to approach the child myself."

Although the trial has come to an end, there is still uncertainty surrounding Cooper's position working as a midwife due to the case.

His case will go under investigation by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Superintendent Rob O’Connor said: “This was a case that generated high profile interest following a post on social media.

"We are pleased with today’s outcome and that Mr Cooper has admitted his guilt. This case demonstrates that sometimes, social media does not reflect the entire situation.

“We understand that Mr Cooper had his children’s welfare as priority and that parents will sympathise with his desire to protect them.

"However, this case has shown that there is no excuse to take the law into your own hands. Cumbria Police will take seriously any such offence and thoroughly investigate the full circumstances to ensure that justice is done.”