Derbyshire couple's toxic divorce erupted in violence as they remained under the same roof

Vincent Woods, 66, headbutted his wife - connecting with her nose - during a row in May at their home.

Chesterfield Magistrates Court heard in the lead-up to the incident the couple’s abusive language towards each other reached “levels where it was unacceptable”.

However District Judge Andrew Davison noted that the headbutt was “not a typical, deliberate headbutt with head back”.

Rather, the judge said Woods’ head connected with his wife’s nose “in a reckless manner”.

During Woods’ trial the court was shown “shocking footage” - reflective of the pair’s daily combative interaction.

Woods initially denied assault by beating however he changed his plea to guilty after hearing his ex-wife’s evidence during a trial.

The defendant’s solicitor Karl Meakin said Woods was “sincere and genuine in his remorse” and was “shocked” by his own behaviour in his wife’s footage of the incident.

Mr Meakin said: “This started off as a relatively normal divorce but the two people were living together in the property and it grew more acrimonious.”

Woods, previously of The Woodlands, Marehay, Ripley, admitted assault by beating.

He was handed an 18-month community order, a two-year restraining order, made to undergo a building better relationships programme and six rehabilitation activity days.

Woods was also fined £500, made to pay £300 compensation, £300 court costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

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