A CHATTERIS man, who had a good career with famous jewellers Mappin and Webb and Aspreys before turning to drink, assaulted his partner after a night out at Chatteris Conservative Club. David Murray, who had been drinking throughout the day, put both his

A CHATTERIS man, who had a good career with famous jewellers Mappin and Webb and Aspreys before turning to drink, assaulted his partner after a night out at Chatteris Conservative Club.

David Murray, who had been drinking throughout the day, put both his hands around Helen Vincent's neck, shaking her 10 or 12 times, leaving her gasping for breath.

Ms Vincent had been out to buy eight cans of beer early in the morning, the couple had been out for a few drinks at lunchtime and they went to the club at about 7pm, prosecutor Craig McDougall told Fenland magistrates on Wednesday.

They argued on the way home, and in the early hours of the morning they had a row and Murray had a can of beer. He shouted at Ms Vincent, and grabbed the phone from her.

Mitigating, Neil Meachem said Murray had "lost his way" five years ago when he discovered his wife was having an affair, he lost his job and his drinking escalated. He said Ms Vincent has a personality disorder, Murray was her carer and knew he should not have lost his temper with her.

Sentencing was adjourned until August 16 for reports.