A 67-YEAR-OLD man twice assaulted his Philippine bride during minor disputes at their home.

Blackburn magistrates heard the couple had only married in June and Ronnalyn Tunney had no family or friends in the UK and was totally dependent on her husband.

Bernard Tunney, who was bailed to an address in Central Avenue, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to two charges of assault. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £100 costs.

Philippa White, prosecuting, said on the first occasion Tunney pushed his wife out of bed on to the floor at their home in Billington.

On the second occasion he pushed her again during a discussion about why she wasn’t eating with him.

Mrs White said: “At that stage she said wanted to leave.”

Imran Hussain, defending, said Tunney had momentarily lost his self control and pushed his wife but that had not resulted in any injuries.

“He met his partner last year and they married in June,” said Mr Hussain.

“It is understood that it is her wish the relationship will continue and that is certainly his hope.”