A drunken husband has narrowly escaped a prison sentence after a 'barbaric' booze-fuelled golf club attack on his partner.

Mark Wilden assaulted his wife after drinking an astonishing 20 pints of lager because he thought she was having an affair, a court heard.

The bricklayer attacked terrified Donna Wilden as she lay in bed at their home in Vista Road, Clacton, last October.

Wilden, 37, denied using a golf club but admitted assault.

Colchester Magistrates' Court heard the couple were £100,000 in debt after living 'completely beyond their means'.

David Davies, mitigating, said Wilde had now kicked his cocaine habit.

Wilden was sentenced to four months in prison but suspended it after hearing the victim wanted to withdraw her statement.

Wilden was also ordered to pay £500 compensation and £500 costs.

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Published Friday, February 18, 2005

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