OAP admits assaulting wife at home

Benjamin Killgallon's wife of 54 years, Florence, was recovering from a brain tumour when he grabbed her during a row.

Killgallon, 77, of Holme Slack Lane, Holme Slack, Preston, admitted assault and breaching a conditonal discharge for a previous assault on her, Preston Magistrates' Court heard.

Prosecuting, Tracey Yates said: "Police attended the address to reports he had assaulted his wife.

"Over the last 12 months the relationship had deteriorated as she alleges he had become increasingly aggressive. There was an argument about an alleged affair and he started making accusations.

"He raised his fist as if to punch her but didn't. Thereafter he grabbed her by the shoulders and told her to shut up.

"In interview the defendant said there had been relationship issues for a long time with suspicions his wife had been cheating on him but then admitted the offence."

Defending, Paolo Passerini said the police had taken a zero tolerance approach to the domestic violence incident.

"He added: "The defendant is hoping to reconcile the relationship.

" He said she had thrown some hot fat from a frying pan on the floor during the incident.

The pensioner was given a six month community order to attend a rehabilitation activity.

He must pay a £100 fine with a £85 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.