Drunk soldier attacks partner as he holds their child

Phil Wigmore, 23, of Lakelands Close, Eastbourne, admitted assaulting Lee Woodend and trashing her dad's car after a drinking binge on April 9.

Wigmore, who has been in the Parachute Regiment for four years, was in the back of a Chrysler Voyager driven by Miss Woodend when they reached the Jet garage on Barnhorn Road at around midnight.

Her son was in the front passenger seat and their baby was in a car seat next to Wigmore.

Claire Prodger, prosecuting, said: "He had been drinking throughout the day and she considered him to be very drunk. He took the baby out of the seat and fell asleep."

Miss Woodend pulled over and tried to get the baby back, the court heard. Wigmore pushed her away, grabbed her by the throat and slapped her in the face, all while holding the child.

"He then grabbed her again by the throat for three or four seconds, during which time she had difficulty breathing," said Mrs Prodger.

"The baby was screaming when he finally handed it back."

Wigmore then repeatedly kicked the car, which belonged to the victim's dad, causing 2,000 worth of damage. When a passer-by stopped to help, Wigmore chased him away.

He pleaded guilty to assault and causing criminal damage when he appeared at Hastings Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. Sue Lenier, defending, said there was "lots of mitigation" but said she would address the court fully once the pre-sentence report had been prepared.

District Judge Adrian Turner said: "There has to be a full assessment of the risks this man presents. This was drunken, sustained and extremely unpleasant. Clearly in the circumstances custody has to be an option."

Wigmore was bailed to appear back at Hastings Magistrates Court on May 5 at 11am.