A MAN has been made subject of a good behaviour order after admitting to assaulting his partner.

Eric Smith, of Troon, pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife of 14 years on April 26, by pushing her and causing her to fall on the ground and thereafter falling on top of her and striking her on the body with his knee.

The 47-year-old appeared before Sheriff Carole Cunninghame at Ayr Sheriff Court last week.

Procurator Fiscal, Stephen McLean, explained: “The reports say that the accused cares for his wife who has hypermobility and suffers from a degenerated disk disease and she requires a carer.

“At the time of the incident it was around 10pm and the accused and the complainer were arguing and she went to leave and took the children with her.

“The argument escalated and the accused pushed the complainer by the hands to her chest. The complainer fell to the ground.

“At this time the 16-year-old son interjected to assist his mother but then there was a physical altercation with the father and son. The accused struck his wife on the face around her month with his knee. This resulted in a burst lip.”

Mr McLean, continued: “The son assisted the complainer to her feet and took her into the living room. Two days later, she told a friend of the incident and the friend took photographs of the complainer which showed her injuries.

“The complainer went to Crosshouse, two days after the incident, where she was examined. The police were contacted and went to the home but the complainer refused to give a statement and then the officers re-attended the home and spoke to the son.”

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor Ms Malloy, said: “This is something of great regret. They have had 20 years of a good and loving relationship and my client is hopeful to reconcile their relationship.”

Sheriff Cunninghame told the accused: “Whilst I am not in any shape or form condoning this behaviour, the court will defer this.”