An ex-husband who ‘saw red’ after an acrimonious divorce has ended up in court for assaulting his former wife’s new spouse in a Ipswich carvery.

Gareth Cook, of High Road West, Felixstowe, is now awaiting his fate after pleading guilty to assaulting Carl Douglas by beating.

The offence occurred on May 1.

Prosecutor Wayne Ablett said Mr Douglas was at a Toby carvery with his wife Tracey.

They had finished eating and saw 41-year-old Cook, who was Mrs Douglas’ ex-husband.

The court was told Mrs Douglas has said that for the past six or seven months Cook had made her life a misery. The couple had split up a number of years ago.

The Douglas’ saw Cook go outside. He was standing by a window and looked back into the restaurant.

Magistrates heard the couple felt intimidated by this.

Mrs Douglas said she was scared and worried. Cook walked back into the restaurant and ‘offered Mr Douglas outside for a fight’.

Mr Douglas did not want to fight, but was pushed to the face, knocking his sunglasses off and causing him to stagger backwards.

As Cook walked away he then insulted his ex-wife.

However, Mr Ablett said Cook returned to the restaurant and apologised, but said: “It will keep until next time.”.

Cook told police he just saw red and got into Mr Douglas’ face.

He added when Mr Douglas stood up, he felt threatened and pushed him.

The court was told Cook had two previous domestic-related convictions.

One was for harassment for which he received a conditional discharge and a restraining order. The other was also for harassment for which he was fined.

Cook, representing himself, told the court: “There’s four years of history that’s been boiling up.

“I totally apologise to them for what I did. I just saw red. I totally agree I was wrong that day. I shouldn’t have done it.”

The magistrates ordered a pre-sentence report as they said they were considering a community order.

The case was adjourned until August 2.