Husband hit wife of 26 years after ‘bully’ jibe
A DERBYSHIRE husband attacked his wife of 26 years after she branded him a “bully”.
Christopher Donson had been with his wife for 27 years, and married for 26, but the marriage had deteriorated and broken down.
Prosecutor Donna Fawcett said that the relationship had ended amicably two weeks prior to the assault, on November 14 last year, and that 53-year-old Donson lived in their shared home with their children. She said an argument then broke out.
She said: “There was some moving around of property. He was bringing his things in saying, ‘I’ll have this, I’ll have that. His wife said ‘just go, I don’t want to hear it any more; you are a bully.’”
Ms Fawcett said that Donson, of Moorland Drive, Heath, then kicked the back of the chair that his wife was sitting on, which marked the start of the assault.
In a statement read to the court by Ms Fawcett, the victim said: “I was so shocked, but Christopher grabbed me around the neck and pushed me into the French doors. I screamed to Christopher to get off me. I was afraid he was going to seriously hurt me. I was very scared so I started to lash out and screamed for him to get off me.”
The attack caused the victim pain and discomfort in her right leg and arm, as well as bruising. Ms Fawcett added: “He said he hit her to prevent himself from being assaulted.”
Donson, who works as a driver transporting goods, pleaded guilty to assault. He was sentenced on Wednesday at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court.
Those representing Donson in court said: “This was a 27-year marriage that became strained toward the end. He accepts his behaviour. He does not seek to justify it in any way. He told his wife he was having a child with his new partner. He reflects on the matter with great regret and deep remorse.”
Stevan Marvin, chair of the bench, said: “You would have received 180 hours of unpaid work, but for your guilty plea you will receive 120 hours.”
Donson was handed a 12-month community order and a 12-month restraining order which bars him from contacting the victim. He must also complete 120 hours of unpaid work and pay a £95 surcharge and £85 in costs.