Violence flared between a husband and wife after they both broke each others spectacles during a row, a court heard.

Railway worker John Nugent was arrested after returning home drunk after visiting relatives in Scotland.

Nugent, 39, of Cambridge Road, Hove, admitted a charge of assault when he appeared before Brighton magistrates. He was bailed until November 27 for sentence.

Andrew Walker, prosecuting, said trouble started because Nugent's wife Sandra was upset her husband had broken a promise and got drunk.

When he gave her presents, she said she did not want them and an argument broke out.

Mr Walker said: "He broke her glasses, which made her very angry. She broke his glasses in retaliation, which made him angry.

"He chased her up the stairs swearing at her. He grabbed her and swung her around and her head hit the bedroom wall and the pain stunned her. He punched her in the face."

Stephen Harris, defending, said: "He is very ashamed and embarrassed and very sorry. His wife wants him to come home and they will resume a normal married life. He wants to go back to his wife and make his apologies.

"There was a build up of anger between them. His wife was very angry and he was very drunk.

"He cannot see particularly well without his glasses and that was when matters escalated."