A husband was filmed attacking and “headbutting” his wife after the pair argued during a party at a hotel.

Phillip Buxton, a children’s football referee, and his now-former partner got into a row after drinking too much alcohol while at the bash in Chatham in December.

But Medway Magistrates’ Court heard the 31-year-old had since turned his life around and had quit drinking and started attending counselling sessions.

Police were called to the St George Hotel on December 16 after people heard the pair shouting.

One witness decided to film the 10-minute row on their mobile phone.

While the victim told officers she did not want to make a complaint against her husband, charges were brought due to the presence of the video.

Buxton, of Campion Close, Chatham, admitted assault when he appeared in the dock on July 30.

Debbie Jones, prosecuting, explained the couple were married at the time of the incident.

She added: “It was December 16 and they were at a party in New Road Avenue, Chatham, at the St George Hotel.

“They had an argument and left the venue and were outside the hotel. A witness said [Buxton] was shouting at her and so that witness started to record what was happening and recorded a 10-minute clip.

“In it, [Buxton] can be seen acting aggressive and violent throughout the clip and shouting. She was flinching and he then stamped on her mobile phone and then headbutted her.

“She was recoiling and put her hands up to her face.”

However, Ms Jones also told the court the woman had not made a statement to police about the incident after Buxton was arrested.

The prosecutor added: “She didn’t wish to provide a statement, but there was clear evidence (the video).

“He made no comment in interview but has entered a guilty plea today.

“There is no victim impact statement or a restraining order request, but he has a previous conviction for assault in 2023 and he was given a community order for that offence.”

Magistrates were told the community order had finished on July 26.

However, Harpal Virdee, defending, told the court Buxton was no longer in a relationship with his wife.

He added: “He has split up with her and is now engaged to a new partner.

“Their divorce is going through and she’s got a new partner too.

“Since then he’s done a referee course with the FA and has had two promotions at work - he’s earning £40,000 a year.

“He’s also lost four stone as he has taken up boxing, he’s changed his life around and has also had counselling sessions.

“The incident sounds worse than it was; both were in drink and didn’t really remember [the incident].

“It was more of an aggressive push, not a headbutt, and he is embarrassed when he sees the video and was embarrassed at the police station.

“She didn’t want to pursue the charge and they have both moved on significantly.

“He’s got a new relationship and career and has quit drinking and he is now a referee on Saturdays for an under-13s team.”

A probation officer confirmed Buxton’s previous assault conviction involved the same victim.

Magistrates placed Buxton on a 12-month community order with four requirements. They were: attending a building better relationships course for 30 sessions, wearing an abstinence alcohol tag for 120 days, carrying out 60 hours of unpaid work and attending five rehabilitation sessions.

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114 as well as £85 court costs and will pay the court what he owes within two months.