A SIDFORD man charged with assaulting his wife has been ordered to keep the peace for 12 months or face a �250 fine.

Paul Worrall, 45, of Salcombe House East, Church Street, appeared before magistrates in Exeter on Friday.

The court heard how on March 11 an argument at home between the Lympstone Commando Training Centre security guard and his wife, Wai-Chie Worrall resulted in her receiving a blow to the cheek from one of two Samurai swords he owned.

Chris Bittelstone, prosecuting, explained that Mr Worrell had been drinking at home, and then at the pub, and when he’d got home tempers had flared.

“He was tired and tempers were more frayed than in normal circumstances.”

During the argument, Mrs Worrell received a ‘glancing blow’ from one of the swords, causing a cut to her left cheek. Mr Worrell called the ambulance and the paramedics then called the police. Mr Worrall’s solicitor Richard Parkhouse said: “He has no previous experience of court and this experience has scared him half to death.

“His wife has always said that this was just an accident, and she didn’t want to prosecute her husband. Mr Worrall told police earlier in the case, ‘I never realised she was that close to me’.”

The couple have been married for 10 years and have a nine-year-old son. Mr Parkhouse stressed that their relationship was “stronger than ever”, and described his client as a “hard-working, honest and decent member of society”.

The swords were seized during the investigation, and the defendant told officers “you can keep them, I don’t want them back.”

Chairman of magistrates Dorothy Robson agreed to a ‘bind over’ order, meaning Mr Worrall has to keep the peace, and not threaten, intimidate or harass Mrs Worrall for 12 months, or he will have to pay �250, and then dismissed the case, checking that arrangements would be made for the disclaiming of the swords.