A Suffolk man has been fined for assaulting his wife after she won a million pounds on the lottery.

Matthew Fairfull appeared before magistrates for attacking his wife during a row over dinner – two months after her scratchcard win.

Fairfull, 62, pleaded guilty to assault by beating at the couple’s Edgecomb Road home, in Stowmarket, on July 7.

Bail conditions prevented the self employed plasterer from entering the address before Wednesday’s hearing in Ipswich, where he was accompanied by his wife of 34 years.

Prosecutor Lesla Small said the assault took place after the pair returned from the pub for dinner and began arguing.

“Her husband went mad,” Ms Small told magistrates.

“He threw a fork at her and grabbed her throat with both hands.

“It lasted only a second, but was painful, and left her neck red and bruised.”

Although Fairfull’s wife gave a full account of what happened, she declined to make an official statement against him.

Not represented by a lawyer in interview, Fairfull told police he had consumed alcohol but was not intoxicated during the assault, which he called an “overreaction to something she said”.

Ms Small said Fairfull told officers the lottery win had “badly affected” the relationship, but that his wife did not want the court to consider a restraining order.

“All she wants is for her husband to return home,” added Ms Small.

Solicitor Claire Lockwood said:

“The victim, who is in court to support him, made no formal statement. Had he been represented during interview, I’m sure he would have been advised to exert his right to silence, because there was no prima facie case against him,

“It’s significant to note his honesty and the punishment of bail conditions imposed – against the victim’s request.

“It’s the longest time they’ve been apart in their married life.

“He admits he was wrong and, although the assault would have been unpleasant, it was over in seconds, was not sustained or repeated, and there is no pattern of offending.

“As is often the case, the lottery win came with its own difficulties and strains – but the couple intend to reconcile.”

Fairfull, who has no previous convictions, was fined £500 and ordered to pay prosecution costs.