Telford Chinese restaurant owner hit wife in face
The owner of a Telford Chinese restaurant ended up in court after getting involved in a violent argument with his wife as they rowed in the kitchen.
Tempers boiled over between Kevin Woo and his wife Mandy Woo-Lee at The China City in Dawley.
The 44-year-old lashed out and slapped his wife in the face, landing himself with an assault charge.
The couple are now reconciled, but Woo was given a suspended prison sentence when he appeared before Telford Magistrates Court.
The court heard Mrs Woo-Lee became involved in an argument with her husband on October 17.
She was incensed that her husband had thrown away food that she had prepared earlier.
Mr Adam Warner, prosecuting, said during a heated row, Woo slapped her in front of their 18-year-old daughter.
He said the couple had been married for 20 years and Woo had been cautioned by police in the past for assaulting his wife.
Woo had a problem with alcohol which contributed to the incident in the kitchen, the court heard.
Mr Warner told magistrates: "They are joint proprietors of a Chinese restaurant in Dawley.
"The family consensus is that Mr Woo is an alcoholic with anger management issues.
"The catalyst was his throwing away of food she had prepared for him. She objected – and he slapped her."
Mr Warner said the attack caused Mrs Woo-Lee discomfort and reddening to her face. The prosecutor said police were called and Woo was arrested, making full admissions to officers during interview.
Woo, of King Street, Dawley, pleaded guilty to assault when he appeared at court.
He apologised in court for his actions.
Representing himself and speaking through an interpreter, he said he and his wife had now reconciled and settled their differences.
Magistrates sentenced Woo to three months in prison, but opted to suspend the term for a period of 12 months. He was also made the subject of a 12-month community order and ordered to pay a total of £375 in costs and court charges.
Chairman of the bench, Mr Alan Pankhurst, said the case should send out a message to men who are physical against their partners.
He said: "The sentence underlines how seriously we view domestic violence against women."
