A FATHER-OF-FIVE who assaulted his wife at a Borders holiday park has been ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work as an alternative to custody at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Thirty-six-year-old Christopher Tracey pleaded guilty to kicking his partner on the body and seizing her by the neck during the attack in a lodge at Lilliardsedge Caravan Park during the early hours of July 10.

The police were phoned shortly before 6am and when officers arrived at the lodge it was clear a disturbance had taken place with the woman having blood on the chest area of her pyjamas and her hand.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said his client had little recollection over the offence due to the consumption of alcohol but there had been a build up of stress when they had been away on holiday.

He added that Tracey fully accepted his partner’s version on what had happened.

The relationship was now at an end.

Sheriff Scott Manson said it was a serious offence particularly as there was an analogous previous conviction involving the same woman.

In addition to the community payback order unpaid work requirement, he was placed on supervision for 18 months with a requirement to attend the Caledonian Men’s Programme and he also must disclose to his supervising officer whether he is involved in an intimate relationship with another woman and attend alcohol counselling.

Tracey, from Glenrothes in Fife, was also given an 18-month non-harassment order banning any contact with his former partner with the exception of necessary access arrangements for the children.