A HUSBAND attacked his wife after she refused to accept a bunch of flowers as an apology after they argued. 

The violence erupted after the couple had spent the day drinking together and after an argument about an ex-partner, during which James Wilson, 45, became more and more aggressive, Carlisle Crown Court heard.

When his attempt to apologise by presenting her with a bunch of flowers was rejected, he attacked her.

The defendant, who formerly lived in the Longsowerby area of Carlisle, admitted an actual bodily harm assault. Prosecutor Martyn Walsh outlined the facts.

He said the couple, who were married for a decade, argued on December 17, 2022, and as a result Wilson visited a local shop to buy flowers for his wife. He then presented them to her as "an apology".

Her response was to say: “I don’t want your poxy flowers.” At that point, Wilson became violent.

He struck his wife in her face with the flowers, with the wooden stake in the bunch striking her forehead. She called him a “wife-beating ****” and he responded by hitting her on the jaw and grabbing her.

She feared that he would try to kill her, the court heard.

Wilson grabbed her by the hair, pulling her to the sofa, after which she ended up on the floor, with the defendant grabbing her head and smashing her face on to the floor between the kitchen and the living room.

She believes she lost consciousness for a time.

The woman went upstairs and sent photos of her injuries to her mother, who called the police. He ran out of the back door when the police arrived.

The wife suffered a black eye, a cut to the forehead, and bruising to her neck and cheeks, said Mr Walsh.

Andrew Evans, defending, described the couple’s relationship as “toxic.” He said Wilson had tried to help his wife deal with her addictions and while in jail he had become a mentor for other inmates.

“He has run classes himself on substance awareness,” said Mr Evans. The defendant realised that alcohol abstinence was necessary.

The barrister added: “This offence took place 18 months ago; and the consequence [for him] has been drastic. He was recalled [to prison] on licence and has remained in prison for 18 months.”

The defendant had been on licence when he committed the assault, having served half of an earlier 63 month jail term.

Judge Nicholas Barker said the victim had suffered cuts and bruises about her head and body because of the assault.

“There is no doubt that this was a prolonged and persistent assault on her in her own home and in the context of a domestic relationship,” said the judge. “You have a record for violence...

“You have a history of being physically violent in relationships.”

The judge jailed Wilson for 27 months. An indefinite restraining order forbids the defendant from having any contact with the victim.