DAVID Martin could be facing a jail sentence, after admitting that he assaulted his ex-partner when she was caught in the cross fire during a family row. Martin pushed Deborah Cowlin, and she fell on her shoulder and wrist, as he argued with his 21-year

DAVID Martin could be facing a jail sentence, after admitting that he assaulted his ex-partner when she was caught "in the cross fire" during a family row.

Martin pushed Deborah Cowlin, and she fell on her shoulder and wrist, as he argued with his 21-year-old son.

"He recklessly pushed her out of the way to get to David, and regrettably she fractured her wrist," solicitor Michael Judkins told Ely magistrates.

"The victim was caught in the cross fire of a heated argument between him and his son."

Martin, 46, of The Crescent, Littleport, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, and sentencing was adjourned until July 24.

Prosecuting, Matthew Bradbury said Martin and Ms Cowlin had separated nine years ago, and she had refused any reconciliation.

On June 23, Martin phoned Ms Cowlin to complain about some missing property that had belonged to his later mother, and then arrived at her home in Little Downham.

Martin had been drinking, and was abusive, and appeared to be looking for a fight. She was terrified, and called the police.

"He grabbed me from the front, pushed me to the floor and I fell on my shoulder and wrist," she told police. "My son intervened and there was a struggle.