A MAN who punched his wife four times in a drunken argument was fined £800 by magistrates yesterday.

David Woodcock, 38, had been on a night out with his wife, Alison, in Darlington on November 29 last year when an argument started in the taxi on their way home.

At a sentencing hearing, Darlington magistrates heard yesterday that Woodcock had allowed another woman to share the couple's taxi.

Derek Walton, prosecuting, said once they had dropped the woman off, an argument started because Mrs Woodcock was unhappy about giving the woman a lift.

"When they got home the couple went to bed, but the argument continued.

"The defendant made reference to the fact that if his wife wasn't happy, she could leave. The defendant then sat up and punched her in the face three or four times."

Mrs Woodcock received hospital treatment for bruising to her cheeks, lip and shoulder.

Woodcock was found guilty of assault at trial.

Callum Terry, for Woodcock, said the magistrates who heard the trial felt he had been provoked but said he had used excessive force.

The court heard the couple are now estranged.

Magistrates gave Woodcock, of Fryer Crescent, Darlington, a 12-month conditional discharge. He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation and £300 costs.