Couple's London Trip Ends In Boozy Hotel Bust-Up

Blows: Smith

A couple's romantic weeklong trip to a luxury Kensington hotel ended in the husband's arrest for hitting his wife during a row in their room.

Musician and touring production manager James Smith, 54, has been forced to swap the four-star acomodation for night's in his lorry's cab after being banned from the matrimonaial home.

He pleaded guilty to assaulting Amaya McKenzie-Smith at the 124 year-old Gore Hotel, which is near London's Royal Albert Hall on March 22.

Hammersmith Magistrates Court heard the couple – who married last year – travelled to the capital from their home in Park Avenue, Elderslie, Johnstone, Scotland.

He was fined £800, with £620 costs and ordered to pay an £80 victim surcharge.

Prosecutor Mr. Robert Chambers told the court there was evidence the couple had been consuming alcohol and had an argument in their room after a night out.

“There was pushing and Mrs McKenzie-Smith was pushed and slapped in the face.

“She left the room, but returned for her belongings and Mr. Smith told her if the police became involved he would tell them she had fallen over.

“She reported what had happened to the hotel staff and they called an ambulance and the police.”

A photograph of Mrs McKenzie-Smith was taken, which showed bruising to her face and she was taken to hospital.

Fortunately there were no serious injuries.

When questioned Smith denied striking his wife, claiming he had to escort her out of their room three times due to her behaviour.

Bruises: McKenzie-Smith

“He said the last time she entered the room she had bruising to her face, which had not been there before and they must have been self-inflicted,” added Mr. Chambers.

Smith claimed his wife had attacked him first and pulled his hair.

The prosecution say there were several blows, but Smith denies this, claiming he only pleaded guilty to prevent his wife enduring the stress of giving evidence.

The court heard the couple are having a “time out” and the defendant was prohibited from contacting his wife or visiting the marital home while on bail.

Smith told the court he is currently living in his lorry and spending most of his time in Portugal.

“We just bought a property in Roehampton and we bought a house in Portugal because that's where we want to live.

“We both have property concerns and I manage the properties.”

Smith says his wife's “violent mood swings” resulted in him often being a victim of her violence, claiming she also abused alcohol and drugs.

“It's a serious assault,” said magistrate Mr. Richard Duncalf. “We don't want to see you in court again.”