A MERCHANT Navy sailor from Chippenham who sandwiched his wife’s face between two slices of piping hot pizza, causing burns to her ears, has been fined more than £500 for assault.

Steven Cruickshank, 51, of Meadow Close, pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife Linda.

North West Wiltshire magistrates heard last Thursday that during the couple’s 10-year marriage he had spent long periods of time with the Merchant Navy. He had only just come home after months away when, on September 13, the pair went out for drinks, but began to argue.

Prosecuting, Anna Humphreys said: “The victim had gone outside the pub to ring her mum, which she does at the same time every day. The defendant came out and they started arguing, claiming he didn’t know where she had gone, before he went back inside and ordered himself another drink but not one for her.”

Mrs Cruickshank got a taxi home after the row, and had cooked some pizzas by the time her husband returned home.

“The argument continued,” added Ms Humphreys. “He picked up both halves of the pizza and put them against her ears, causing redness and a blister.

“This is the first time something like this has happened but she thinks they should go their separate ways.”

Defending, Ellen McAnaw said: “He was reckless to the injury caused, he didn’t appreciate how hot the pizzas were.

“He’s accepted that when he comes back they shouldn’t go out and drink because they argue a lot. It’s made him think they are drinking to excess.

“He’s had no contact with her since but would like to know if he’s able to see if she’s okay.”

Chairman of the bench Dr David Morrell said that a community order would not be possible due to Cruickshank’s line of work and imposed a fine of £760, reduced to £520 because of his early guilty plea.

Cruickshank was also ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £52 victim surcharge.