A HUSBAND is fighting to save his marriage today after he attacked his wife in front of his son during an alcohol-fuelled rage.William Honeyman, 49, of Deben Avenue, Martlesham, grabbed his wife by the throat and threw her out of their home, South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court heard.

A HUSBAND is fighting to save his marriage today after he attacked his wife in front of his son during an alcohol-fuelled rage.

William Honeyman, 49, of Deben Avenue, Martlesham, grabbed his wife by the throat and threw her out of their home, South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court heard.

The guilt-ridden, father-of-two said he could not remember the incident, which occurred last Saturday, because he was so drunk.

He admitted assault.

Magistrates heard Honeyman, a carpenter in Southend, choked his wife as she was getting ready for bed.

His 17-year-old son, from a previous marriage, shouted at him to stop but he led her downstairs and chucked her out the front door.

Godfried Duah, prosecuting, said: "It was an unprovoked attack in her own home and in the presence of children.

"The aggravating feature was that it was fuelled by alcohol."

Mrs Honeyman alerted police and her husband was arrested.

Defending, Michael Stephenson, said: "Honeyman says he loves his wife and really needs help. He said, 'my wife does not deserve this'."

The court was told Honeyman had since contacted a national alcohol abuse helpline and wanted to rebuild his marriage.

He had a previous marriage breakdown and was convicted of assault in 1989.

Bench chairman Angela Pratt handed him a two-year conditional discharge.

If he commits any offence in this time, he may be put behind bars.

Sentencing, Mrs Pratt said: "This is not a nice occurrence. There were aggravated features at home, but we are encouraged by you asking for help."

Honeyman was ordered to pay £70 costs.