A pensioner who grabbed his wife’s throat and threatened to send her to her dead son has been ordered to attend a domestic abuse programme.
First Gulf War veteran Peter Oldham (68) attacked his wife of 42 years at their Rippingale home when she confronted him because their dog’s towel was wet.
Oldham, living temporarily in Tallington Lakes, pleaded guilty to assaulting Maureen Oldham at Linnet Drive on September 24 when he appeared before Spalding magistrates on October 11.
At Thursday’s resumed hearing, he was given a two-year supervision order with a requirement to complete a domestic abuse programme. He must also pay £85 costs.
Prosecutor Edward Johnson said at the time the Oldhams were considering separating but were still living together.
Oldham was in his study when his wife asked him about the wet towel.
Mrs Oldham described how he jumped up, grabbed her by the throat and pushed her into the hallway.
Mr Johnson said: “She describes a firm grip on her throat, which hurt.”
He threatened to send her to her son, who had died, and pushed her into a chair.
In a statement to a domestic abuse officer, Oldham said he was sorry and didn’t mean to hurt his wife – “he just wanted to stop her moaning”.
Mrs Oldham had a lump to her head, ringing in the ears and a bruised and swollen wrist.
She made a second statement to police saying her first statement was true but she no longer supported her husband being prosecuted.
Mr Johnson said she hoped to rekindle the relationship and he had been instructed not to seek a restraining order.
Rachel Stevens, mitigating, said: “He expressed remorse from the off. He says this is the first time he has ever raised his hand to his wife.”