MARK Cousins lost his temper and assaulted his wife in a fit of rage. He hit Sandra Cousins around the face several times, and when she fell to the floor he kicked her, Fenland magistrates heard on Tuesday. She sustained bruising to the eyes and slight g

MARK Cousins lost his temper and assaulted his wife in a fit of rage.

He hit Sandra Cousins around the face several times, and when she fell to the floor he kicked her, Fenland magistrates heard on Tuesday.

"She sustained bruising to the eyes and slight grazing on her arms," said prosecutor John Nooijen.

Photographs of her injuries were handed to the magistrates.

When interviewed by police, Cousins, 39, said he was ashamed of losing control.

Mitigating, Roger Glazebrook said: "There is evidence of provocation over a period of time."

When the couple were on holiday Cousins had to sleep on a balcony, he said, and at another time in a barn.

"There are issues that need to be examined," he said. "It was almost a battered wife syndrome, but the other way round."

Because of the claims made in mitigation, the court decided to hold a Newton hearing, to hear evidence from witnesses, before sentencing. Cousins, of Leigh-on- Sea, admitted assaulting Sandra Cousins in Three Holes on July 27.

The case was adjourned until February 7.