A man who battered his wife with a bin and smothered her face with a pillow during a violent attack in front of their young children has avoided jail.

Emma Clinch said she feared for her life when husband Sam lost his temper as she was preparing breakfast at the family home in Hop Garden Close, Lamberhurst.

At Maidstone Magistrates’ Court yesterday he was sentenced to two months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to attend an anger management programme.

Lorraine Synmoir, prosecuting, described how the 28-year-old roofer tried to swing a punch at his wife when a row erupted over money in April. The court heard how the couple’s children screamed as they watched on.

When Mrs Clinch dodged his fist and curled up on the floor, her husband threw a plastic bin across the room, emptying food and dirty nappies over her.

He hit her with the lid and began kicking her while she was on the ground.

"I want to say how sorry and embarrassed I am by this situation. It has destroyed my family home and has affected my work" - Sam Clinch

Clinch then held a cushion over her mouth, making it difficult for her to breathe. When she got free, she left the house and called 999.

In a statement to police, Mrs Clinch described being terrified of what he was going to do to her and said she felt “demeaned”.

Clinch, who now lives at Hythe Close in Southborough, pleaded guilty to assault at an earlier hearing.

He told magistrates: “I want to say how sorry and embarrassed I am by this situation. It has destroyed my family home and has affected my work.

“Maybe in the future I would like to go back to the family home but otherwise I will support her and the kids.”

The pair were married for four years and have two young children.

Chairman of the bench, magistrate Andrew Backway said Clinch’s mother had written to the court, saying that her son needed help with his anger problems.

He added: “We have taken into account your remorse which we believe is genuine, your admission at the earliest opportunity with the police and admission of offence at the first available opportunity which means your wife hasn’t had to come and give evidence.

“Your family has recognised you have a short fuse, although you don’t believe it. This programme will rewire your brain a little.”

Clinch was also ordered to pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

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