Scottish Couple Battle It Out During Romantic Week At Luxury Hotel

In The Cab: James 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 long-distance lorry driver James Smith, 54, has been forced to swap the four-star accommodation for night's in his vehicle's cab after being banned from the matrimonaial home.

He pleaded guilty yesterday 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.

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 day out shopping.

“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.

Thumped: Amaya McKenzie-Smith

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

“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 court heard the couple are having a “time out” and the defendant is currently prohibited from contacting his wife or visiting the marital home as conditions of his 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.”

He was bailed to return to court on September 22 for a pre-sentence report.