A SOLDIER with an exemplary service record was spared prison yesterday after an attack on his wife.

Ian Paul Davies, 31, stationed at Claro Barracks, Ripon, admitted assaulting his wife and resisting a police officer.

Harrogate magistrates were told the couple rowed on February 27 at their home in Clotherholme Park, Ripon, with Davies grabbing his wife by her arms and pushing her on to a sofa.

Rebecca Smith, prosecuting, said Davies' wife was grabbed by her wrist and hair and was dragged across the living room. She was then punched and knocked against a wall.

Davies had opened the front door and, lifting his wife off the ground, forced her through it.

Miss Smith said police had to use CS gas to subdue Davies because he was so aggressive.

David Camidge, mitigating, said Davies, who would not now join his unit when it went to Afghanistan next month, had had an exemplary military career.

Davies was made subject to a two-year community order with attendance on domestic violence and self-management programmes. He was also ordered to pay his wife £250 compensation, along with £50 to the police officer and £45 costs.