A GLENCRAIG man who attacked his wife ended up in hospital after he was then beaten up by shocked onlooker.

Joseph Fotheringham sustained broken ribs and a broken nose when members of the public took the law into their own hands.

Fotheringham, 35, of Garry Park, admitted that on November 26 at Fife Leisure Park, Dunfermline, he assaulted his wife by repeatedly punching her on the head.

Depute fiscal Claire Bremner told Dunfermline Sheriff Court the incident happened at his wife’s work night out.

Her husband had attended and during the night an argument had started between them.

They went outside the Bowlplex and Fotheringham became aggressive towards his wife.

“He punched her twice to the head and this was witnessed by members of the public standing outside. They described her trying to cover herself up. She was hysterical and screaming,” said Ms Bremner.

“Passers-by intervened and pulled the accused away.”

Selina Mackay, solicitor for Fotheringham, said, “He’s never been in any trouble in his life. The couple have been married for 10 years and been together for 15 years.

“It was his wife’s Christmas night out with her work colleagues and he went along for the meal.”

She said her client could not remember the incident, only waking up in hospital.

“It seems this incident was completely out of character. The people who intervened then assaulted him and he suffered two broken ribs and a broken nose,” added Ms Mackay.

Sheriff Richard McFarlane said: “This was wholly unacceptable conduct. I can see from your body language that you are utterly ashamed. Members of the public may have meted out summary justice, which is something I certainly don’t condone.”

The Sheriff said that, in the circumstances of Fotheringham being a first offender and having spent a weekend in police custody, he would admonish him.