THE devotion of his wife has saved former soldier David Turner from a jail sentence for assaulting her at their Market Lavington home.

Turner, 44, of Rochelle Court, pleaded guilty on August 12 to causing his wife Sharon actual bodily harm in an attack on her on August 4.

His case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports until Monday when he once again appeared before Kennet magistrates in Devizes.

Anna Humphreys, prosecuting, told the court that after the couple first got together in 1999, Turner embarked on what his wife described as "a two-year bender" and police were called a number of times when rows between the pair ended in violence.

They got married in 2001 but the rows got worse, culminating in an incident when Turner hit his wife in the face, knocking her out and giving her a black eye.

Miss Humphreys said: "Turner was shocked at what he had done and for a while things were quieter but in July of this year the relationship deteriorated again because of Turner's inability to control his frustration and anger."

Matters came to a head on August 4 when the couple went to a local pub. As Turner drank he became angry. They went into two further pubs and he had eight or nine pints of beer. When he got home he opened a bottle of wine. He became abusive and aggressive and Mrs Turner went out to give him time to calm down.

When she returned he began to shout abuse about her family and then hit her. She lost consciousness and woke up as she was being taken to an ambulance. She required four staples in two cuts to her head and bridgework was broken in her mouth.

Emm Wrench, defending, told the court that her client had suffered problems after leaving the Army. He had financial difficulties, trouble finding work and feelings of insecurity, all of which caused him to turn to drink.

She said the very strict bail conditions which barred him having any contact with his wife made Turner realise how much he needed her.

Mrs Wrench said: "She has been very supportive. She wants him back."

Turner was sentenced to 18 months' community rehabilitation, and he will have to attend aggression replacement training with emphasis on the use of alcohol. He was given £118 court costs.