A HUSBAND who admitted indecently assaulting his wife was jailed for 15 months yesterday (February 19).

Mr Julian Taylor, prosecuting, said the assault took place on Thursday, November 27 last year when the couple were separated with the husband living away from the matrimonial home.

He said that after telephoning his wife and questioning her about seeing another man, the 35-year-old Ramsbottom man arrived at the house smelling of drink.

He pleaded for a reconciliation which she refused.

He then disconnected the telephone and carried out the indecent assault, asking her for sex "one last time" and telling her he loved her.

Eventually he gave up and asked her for a cup of tea.

After drinking the tea he left, saying "I have blown it" but taking the wife's house and car keys with him, Mr Taylor said.

Interviewed by police later the husband admitted the assault and said he had drunk half a bottle of whisky and some wine before going to see his wife.

He told the officers he wanted to get back with her and had no intention of hurting her, Mr Taylor stated.

Miss Elizabeth Nichols, defending, said the case was a tragedy for all parties concerned including the couples' children.

She said the husband still loved his wife and could not accept that his relationship with her was over.

His sole intention when he went to the house had been to effect a reconciliation but his behaviour had achieved the complete opposite, she said.

Miss Nichols added that her client was an upright, hard-working member of the community who felt shame, sorrow and remorse about the incident.

Passing sentence Judge Gillian Ruaux, who sat with magistrates at the hearing at Bolton Crown Court, said despite the husband's remorse and his good qualities, the offence was serious and had to be marked with a 15 month prison sentence.

The husband cannot be named as his wife's identity is protected by law.

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