A desperate husband who saved his wife from taking her own life was too heavy-handed in his rescue attempt and ended up in court – charged with assault.
Graham Page, 46, found his wife Alexandra had left a suicide note at their home and, after finding her intoxicated and ‘hysterical’ in her car, dragged her out to safety.
But his well-meaning rescue got a bit “out of hand” and was reported to the police for assault by a witness to the incident.
Page was brought before Bristol Magistrates Court, where he pleaded guilty to the offence, which took place on December 14.
He admitted that after pulling Alexandra from the car, he “cuffed” her to the head when she was hysterical and dragged her along the ground by her clothes to get her home.
Magistrates handed him a 12-month community order comprising of 100 hours’ unpaid work. He was also told to pay an £85 victim surcharge and £85 costs.
After the hearing Page, of Redland, Bristol, said: “I’m a little bit gutted. Obviously it got way out of hand and it really was a minor thing.
“It was a difficult situation. I did what was necessary at the time and I wish it had been different.
“I don’t know if I’d do exactly the same. I like to know I learn from my mistakes, to be honest.
“I think it has been a bit harsh that I’ve got a criminal record for this.”
Michael Collins, prosecuting, said Page pulled his wife of four years from her car and conceded he “cuffed” her to the head when she was hysterical.
He then dragged Alexandra her by her clothes after she fell to ground to get her home, the court heard.
Mike Wynter, defending, said police spoke to Mrs Page after the incident and she had no facial injuries.
Mr Wynter said: “A suicide note was left by her at her address. This clearly concerned my client when he saw her in the vehicle.”
He added Page could have been justified in pulling her from the car, to prevent her from drink driving and seriously harming herself.
But he accepted Page had no lawful excuse in cuffing her or dragging her.
Mr Wynter said the couple had been married for coming up to four years and were working on their relationship.
