A WOMAN bouncer was beaten by her husband after their whirlwind romance turned sour, a Swindon court was told.

Turkish-born Fatih Salik, 19, of Calne Road, Lyneham, faces prison after a District Judge rubbished his claims of provocation.

The court heard how UK-born Toni Salik now estranged from her husband was punched in the face when she refused to hand over hard-earned cash intended for a holiday.

In an interview with police, Salik admitted slapping his wife at the home they shared in Stratton.

But he strongly denied any further accusations of violence.

Rosalind Cameron-Mowat, prosecuting, said trouble flared when Mrs Salik returned home at about 3.20am on November 21.

"Mr Salik was at home watching TV in the living room," she said.

"Both parties started arguing.

"The Crown then says that Mr Salik pushed her in the chest when she went to walk away. Mr Salik slapped her.

"She went into the bed-room and he followed.

"There was further verbal argument about her going on holiday and money.

"The victim said it was money that she had saved for a holiday with a female friend.

"Mr Salik will say that her injuries were partly caused by her trying to get the money back off him, which he had grabbed.

"The Crown says that without any warning he slapped her across the face."

At that point Mrs Salik phoned 999.

Mrs Cameron-Mowat continued: "While she was speaking on the phone he grabbed her hair.

"Using his right fist Mr Salik punched her around the lip and cheek area.

"He then grabbed the phone off her and switched it off.

The victim went into the bathroom because she was feeling dizzy and she was aware that she was bleeding."

When Mrs Salik told her husband that the police were coming her husband struck her again.

Mrs Salik was taken to Great Western Hospital where she received treatment for swelling and bruising to her face.

Defending, Martin Wiggins said his client lost his temper when Mrs Salik claimed she had slept with a friend's brother an allegation strongly denied by her.

"Is the truth not this?" said Mr Wiggins to Mrs Salik. "That the argument with your husband was not only about the holiday but also about his concerns that you had been seeing someone else?

"Did you not taunt him about having a sexual relationship with this other man?"

Mr Wiggins added that his client admitted slapping his wife but stressed that the injuries occurred during a struggle for the cash.

But District Judge Timothy Gascoigne ruled that the attack was both sustained and violent and told Salik to expect prison.

Sentencing was adjourned until April 27 so reports can be made.

Kevin Shoesmith