A CHARITY worker who punched his wife so hard she will require surgery to re-align her teeth has been spared jail after a judge conceded he would not be able to continue to support her financially.

Judge Michael Taylor said Michael Bolton would likely end up on benefits as a result of losing his job if he went to prison.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 41-year-old drank a “huge amount” of alcohol before assaulting his wife following a night entertaining friends at their Hartlepool home.

Bolton, of Eddleston Walk, began an argument and without warning hit her twice in the face with a clenched fist.

She needed five stitches to her lip, while some of her teeth were pushed out of position and later turned black.

The defendant was arrested and admitted his guilt, although he claimed not to remember anything.

Prosecutor David Crook said Bolton had two previous convictions for battery against former partners and another aggravating feature was that children were in the house at the time.

The victim has separated from Bolton, who admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm on May 16.

Jim Withyman, mitigating, said Bolton had taken steps to address his drink problem.

He said: “He is totally ashamed of what he has done. When he saw the photos of his ex-partner he broke down and cried.”

Judge Taylor said the attack had left his wife suffering nightmares.

He told him: “It is clear that when you are in drink you lose all self-control.”

The judge gave Bolton a six month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, and said he would undergo an alcohol treatment programme devised by the probation service.

He must also pay £1,000 compensation to his victim and is subject to a five year restraining order.