A CARDENDEN pensioner who punched his wife in the face as they lay in bed had no recollection of the offence.

Appearing for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Wednesday, William Digman, 72, had previously admitted assaulting the woman in Cluny Place on March 4 by pushing her on the body and punching her on the head.

Depute Fiscal, Claire Kennedy, said the couple were lying side by side in bed and he pushed the victim before punching her in the face. Injuries sustained were bruising to the eye and grazing down the side of her nose.

Solicitor, Alexander Flett, said the couple had been married for 52 years and the offence seemed a "rather sad situation".

He added: "He had been drinking on the day in question and that was on top of prescribed medication. He cannot remember anything about the incident.

"His position remains that he cares very much for his wife and he cannot explain why what took place did take place. The parties have resided separately since then. He visits her on a daily basis."

Sheriff Charles Macnair deferred sentencing for six months for Digman to be of good behaviour.

He told him: "This was a nasty assault and if you were younger or had any record, I would be dealing with you in a very different manner."