DESPERATE to rekindle their relationship, a man went back to his marital home in Queen Camel and tried to hug his estranged wife.

However his feelings were not reciprocated and after she called the police, Michael Stanley Saunders ended up before a domestic violence court.

Saunders, 49, of Naish Estate, New Milton, pleaded guilty to assaulting Ellie Saunders by beating on December 21 when he was in the dock before South Somerset Magistrates.

Prosecutor Christine Hart said that the couple had been in a relationship for eight years and married for three, but things had started to deteriorate in recent months.

"At the start of December Mrs Saunders asked for a separation," she said.

"The defendant moved out but returned several times to collect personal belongings."

On the day in question, Saunders went to the house and tried to give his wife a hug but it was rejected and she called the police, the court was told.

When he was arrested and interviewed the defendant admitted what happened.

He said that when his wife had asked him to stop, he let her go.

He explained his actions were in pure desperation as he just wanted a hug.

"He accepted that he grabbed the complainant but there was no menace in it and no injuries were caused," added Miss Hart.

Defending solicitor Helena Suffield said that it was a very sad case and it was very unfortunate that the complainant felt it necessary to call the police.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered the defendant to pay £40 towards costs.