If the father hasnt been around and the child is now 2years old. and he suddenly apply's for custody. what?

two people are together, she gets pregnant, he leaves, keeps walking in and out of the childs life, comes to see her for a few months, then doesnt bother for months. then comes back again, then off he goes again. now the child is almost 2years old and he applys for custody, what sort of time would he get alone with the child??? this is in the UK