A MAN struck his wife with a dish towel and accused her of ‘ruining his life’ when she told him to stop chopping food in the kitchen.

Detglev Grossmann of Kilbrennan Avenue, Craigens, Cumnock admitted striking the woman on her head with a dish towel and cushion in January.

On the same day he behaved in a threatening manner when he shouted, swore and repeatedly uttered threats of violence towards her.

Grossmann appeared before Sheriff Desmond Leslie at Ayr Sheriff Court last week. The court heard how he had been with the complainer for 20 years.

Depute Fiscal Cath Whyte, said: “The relationship had broken down. His wife had repeatedly asked him to leave the home but she took to sleeping on the couch.

“Their adult daughter was present. On the evening of February 22 the complainer came home. Grossmann was in the kitchen chopping.

[Food] “She asked him to stop and not scratch the surface. He had been drinking, picked up the dish towel and struck her with it.

“He told her that she had ruined his life and he was going to make her life hell. The daughter intervened and moved her dad away.

“Both the woman and her daughter slept on the sofa as they were afraid of the repercussions.”

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor, Quinton Muir, said: “They were together for 30 years.

“This had been a difficult time for him. He has no previous convictions.”

Addressing the dock, Sheriff Leslie said: “This is a regrettable situation with the break up of a marriage. This is a chance for you to get your life back on track.”

Grossmann has been placed on a community payback order for six months.