Man assaulted estranged wife over the upkeep of their home

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Wednesday, September 21, how James Sebastian Whiteside, 44, of Stead Street, Eckington, had been throwing food and flowers before he pushed his wife.

Prosecuting solicitor Sarah Haslam said: “The defendant was arguing about finances and was throwing food around and he threw a bouquet of flowers on the floor. The room was in a mess and he told her to phone the police and he would say that she had made the mess and he pushed her by the shoulders on to a sofa.”

Mrs Haslam added that the complainant went upstairs and sat with her son but Whiteside continued shouting at her about their separation and he pushed her again with open palms.

The complainant managed to get past the defendant, according to Mrs Haslam, and as she got her bag and keys Whiteside spat on her vehicle windscreen.

Whiteside confirmed what had happened to police and explained that he had lost his temper.

He pleaded guilty to assault after the incident at Marsh Lane on July 12.

Defence solicitor Denny Lau said a divorce was filed in March but the couple was still living at the same house and the defendant had wanted his wife to contribute towards the upkeep of the property.

Mr Lau added that Whiteside had not wanted his wife to leave but he now accepts the relationship is over. Magistrates adjourned the case to consider a probation report before sentencing on October 5.