A SOLDIER based in North Colerne has been found guilty of assaulting his wife after punching and kicking her in the face during their Armed Forces Day celebrations.

After hearing he was trying to repair the relationship, and would lose his job if jailed, magistrates imposed a 12-month community order.

Colin Thomas Demery, 29, of Rowan Close, North Colerne, appeared before North Wiltshire Magistrates’ on Thursday (August 11), when he pleased guilty to assaulting Zoe Louise Demery.

Prosecuting solicitor Nick Barr said: “They had been out celebrating and drinking for National Armed Forces Day. Zoe returned home and Colin stayed out and carried on celebrating. She says she woke up to the sound of him being sick and collapsing when he returned home. An argument ensued and Mr Demery started punching and kicking Zoe in the face. A neighbour called the police.”

The court heard that Demery, who represented himself, was later charged with assault and pleaded guilty and that this was out of character for the soldier.

“I know how despicable it was, I know it will take a long time to fix the relationship but I am willing to do whatever I can,” said Demery.

Demery’s line manager, Captain Bailey, was at the hearing to tell the court that a custodial sentence would effectively end Demery’s career in the armed forces.

“He has a very promising career and the custodial sentence would end that career. He would not be punished as you cannot have a civilian and military punishment,” said Captain Bailey.

Magistrate Jane Flew said: “The influence of alcohol on this crime makes it a lot worse. The only thing that would make it more severe is if a fracture had been caused by the punching and kicking. It has been proved that you are remorseful and you have a good career.

"With all of that in consideration we will give you a 12-month community order where you will take part in rehabilitation activities. You will also carry out 40 hours of unpaid work, which has been reduced from 60 for the guilty plea at the earliest stage.”

As well as the community order Demery was told to pay a victim surcharge of £85 and court costs of £85. No compensation was awarded and no restraining order was imposed.