A FATHER-OF-FOUR who gave his wife a black eye after punching her in the face was given a community rehabilitation order by magistrates yesterday.

Michael Smith, 38, of North Eastern Terrace, Darlington, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm to his wife, Lorraine, at South Durham Magistrates' Court.

Joan Smith, prosecuting, said the pair had argued after a trip to the supermarket on June 14.

"Mrs Smith says she pushed him too far and he lashed out, punching her in the face," she said.

Police attended the house and an officer reported seeing Mrs Smith with a black eye.

Laura Saunders-Jerrom, mitigating, said Smith had recently set up his own business and the couple regularly argued because of money problems.

But she said his wife did not seek to press charges when her husband handed himself in to police.

Smith was given a 12-month order and told to complete a domestic violence and citizenship module.