A MAN from Hilperton has admitted assaulting his former wife and her new lover during a row in the street.

David Gee, of Proby Place, Hilperton, pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault before magistrates in Chippenham on Thursday.

Michelle Hewitt, prosecuting, said Gee, 34, saw red after spotting his ex-wife, Rachel, and her new boyfriend Andrew Rossier, a former friend of his, pulling up outside their Hilperton home.

An argument broke out, during the course of which Gee punched Mr Rossier and slapped Mrs Gee.

Michael Wills, defending, told the court Rossier had been a good friend of the defendant and both Gee and his wife had supported him after the break-up of his marriage.

Mr Wills said: "He was befriended by this couple and taken in and he responded by stealing his (Gee's) wife. You can imagine how upset my client was."

He said Gee had slapped his former wife in retaliation after she hit him.

The case was adjourned until March 8 for a report to be prepared by the probation service.