A COWLING man who head-butted his wife at the couple’s home following an argument has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Skipton magistrates heard Steven Bond, 35, and his wife, Chloe, had been out socialising separately and both returned home to Sun Street in the early hours of August 25 last year.

Prosecutor Mel Ibbotson said a message came through on Mr Bond’s mobile phone and there was a subsequent argument.

“Mrs Bond tried to grab the phone and he took it away. Things accelerated quickly as she ran from the bedroom,” said Mrs Ibbotson.

She said Mrs Bond was standing half way down the stairs when she was pushed and fell to the bottom. She got up and Mr Bond grabbed her by the upper arms and shoulders and head butted her to the face, knocking her out for between 10 and 15 minutes.

Mrs Ibbotson said Mrs Bond attended Airedale hospital for an X-Ray on her left cheek which was swollen but there was only swelling. The victim said she was suffering from mental injury, trust issues, paranoia caused from anxiety and nightmares since the assault.

Defending, John Mewies said his client, who had pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, ‘deeply regretted’ the incident and that since then the marriage of two years had completely broken down.

Mr Mewies said on the night in question Bond had been to an event in Colne with his cousin and his cousin had come back to the house for a night cap. His wife was back home and was in bed.

“There were no issues and he walked his cousin home,” said Mr Mewies. He said the trouble started when Bond received a text message when he was in bed from a female neighbour which simply said: ‘goodnight’. His wife read the message and stormed towards him threatening him. He said he never accepted pushing her downstairs,” he added.

Mr Mewies said Bond found himself in the kitchen. He said the incident occurred because Bond’s wife was ‘considerably larger’ than him and was blocking the door preventing him getting out. He said it was by trying to force his way ahead, his head made contact with his wife’s. He sustained a slight injury too and left the house.

Mr Mewies said his client’s wife had left him in debt through not paying bills.

Bond was given an 18 weeks prison sentence suspended for two years. He must also carry out 180 hours unpaid work and 20 days activity requirement. He must also pay £200 in compensation, £85 in court costs and a £122 surcharge.