Chester husband attacked wife over affair claims

Dec 18 2008 by Laurie Stocks-Moore, Chester Chronicle

A HUSBAND headbutted his wife in front of their teenage daughter when he suspected her of having an affair with his boss.

Raymond Charles Hughes, of Brentwood Road in Blacon, had been in a relationship with Susan Rose Dale for 18 years before the married pair separated in July 2006. But a year later, they got back together.

On November 23 this year, Hughes, 41, downed four pints in a local pub before Miss Dale picked him up with their 15-year-old daughter.

At Chester Magistrates Court on Thursday, December 18, prosecutor Martin McRobb said an argument erupted when they returned home.

“He said he’d heard a rumour his wife was having an affair with his boss. It turned into a nasty incident.

“Mr Hughes grabbed his wife by the back of the neck then pulled her hair, demanding to know whether the rumour he had heard was true. She denied it.

“He headbutted her, striking her around the left eye forehead.”

Their daughter looked on as her mother pulled herself free and called the police. Miss Hughes had a large swelling and bruising when they arrived soon after and took her for a statement.

“Police became aware the defendant had sent text messages to the victim of an aggressive and threatening nature,” added Mr McRobb.

One read: “You’re dead if you come near here. You can go to lover boy’s.”

When arrested, Hughes told police: “I don’t believe all this because she is cheating on me with my boss.”

In interview, he claimed the argument was over a light switch in the house which he said had been installed by his boss and recalled being in a rage.

James Bagby, defending, said: “Hopefully this is not the final chapter of the relationship. The defendant has had contact with his daughter and the indications are that his wife wants to make a go of this relationship and does not want to throw 18 years away.”

Hughes was ordered to complete a two year supervision order and to attend a domestic violence programme. He was also told to pay £45 in prosecution costs.