A MAN stabbed his unfaithful wife during an argument about her affair, a judge at Maidstone Crown Court was told.

The court heard that the couple, Peter and Shirley Foster, had since patched up their marriage.

Mrs Foster had made a statement to police about the attack by her husband but then refused to sign it because she did not want the matter to go to court.

The judge decided that there were exceptional circumstances that could allow him to suspend a nine-month sentence for two years.

Judge Andrew Patience, QC, concluded by telling Foster, of Minster Road, Minster, near Sheerness: “I wish you and your wife well.”

The court heard how Foster found out on his 48th birthday, on August 27 last year, that his wife of 12 years was leaving him for another man. He picked up a kettle and threw it at her and then grabbed a knife and injured her with it.

Danny Moore, prosecuting, said Mrs Foster suffered a puncture wound over her left shoulder, a small cut to the back of her head and bruising below her left eye.

Mr Moore said the Crown was anxious that such a serious incident was not simply “brushed under the carpet”, but Mrs Foster had made it clear she did not want her husband to go to prison.

The injuries were not serious and the couple, who have a son, now had a stable relationship and did not want to spoil it.

Crispian Cartwright, defending, said Mrs Foster entirely accepted that it was her infidelity that had led to the violence.

Judge Andrew Patience, QC, told Foster: “The use of a knife always has potential for disastrous consequences.”

Foster, now aged 49, admitted assault, causing his wife actual bodily harm, but his not guilty pleas to wounding with intent and unlawful wounding were accepted by the prosecution. He was ordered to pay £808 prosecution costs.