Husband hit wife after row

PAUL Green and his wife Francine had been arguing in the car over money and their finances before he slapped her round the head. The couple – who were recently reconciled at the time – had got out of the vehicle to visit friends. Green shouted at his wife

PAUL Green and his wife Francine had been arguing in the car over money and their finances before he slapped her round the head.

The couple - who were recently reconciled at the time - had got out of the vehicle to visit friends. Green shouted at his wife to get back inside, and after the attack she ran off towards the main road.

The couple's young son was in the back of the car when the assault took place, Ely magistrates were told on Thursday, and Green was said to be remorseful.

"He accepts he slapped his wife to the back of the head, it was most unfortunate that his son was in the car at the time," said solicitor Jacqui Baldwin. "He has shown remorse that his son was present."

Green, of Chestnut Way, Mepal, had previously admitted assaulting Francine Green on October 28 last year. He was given a 100-hour community work order and told to pay £25 costs.

Miss Baldwin said Green's use of drugs had led to the couple's financial difficulties, and they had since parted.

There was no history of domestic violence between them, and Green had been upset at not being able to see his son during the court proceedings.

He had been attending the Cambridge Drug Intervention Programme, and attending unpaid work sessions imposed on him back in January.

Green admitted driving without insurance and failing to produce his driving licence to the police on December 17 last year, and was banned from driving for a year.