A TEACHER admitted wounding his estranged wife amid a bitter argument over arrangements for contact between him and their children. John Edwin Johnson, who teaches at the Joseph Rowntree School in York, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on Catherine Ann Johnson. However, their versions of what happened differed so greatly a special hearing will be held to determine the facts. Richmond Magistrates' Court was told yesterday (Dec 04) Johnson, aged 46, of Highland Court, Easingwold, "snapped" when his wife wanted to alter his contact with the couple's children. Mrs Johnson alleged he hit her on the head repeatedly with a saucepan, breaking its handle and inflicting a 6cm gash which required seven stitches. She also claimed he wrapped a skipping rope round her throat and pulled it so tight she feared she would choke. Mitigating, solicitor Christopher Wright said his Johnson regretted the incident but disputed the version given by his wife. He admitted throwing pans and other kitchen items at her - one of which hit her on the head - and he may also have thrown the skipping rope, but denied putting it round her neck. Magistrates agreed to request a "Newton" hearing should be held to determine the facts before sentencing and a review has been pencilled in at Northallerton Magistrates' Court on January 7

1

.