A JEALOUS husband grabbed his wife round the neck during a drinks evening with friends, York magistrates heard.

Emma Pearce, prosecuting said that Dean Allan, 38, "flew" at Angela Allan when she returned to the marital home with the guest she had gone to collect.

When she called police, there was a verbal and physical incident which left her with a cut to her left eye.

Self-employed taxi driver Allan, of Kinbrace Drive, Acomb Park, York, pleaded guilty to assault.

His solicitor, Caroline Aaron, said the conviction could cost him his hackney carriage licence. The couple had split up, but had an amicable relationship.

Magistrates ordered him to complete 12 months' community rehabilitation, including counselling on alcohol and domestic violence issues, and to pay £55 court costs.

Miss Pearce said that the couple had been hosting a drinks evening at their home, and Mrs Allan left to fetch one of the guests.

While she was away, there was talk in the house that she might be having a relationship with the absent guest.

Dean Allan later told police the conversation got him wound up, and when his wife returned they exchanged words. He told officers he "just flew at her" and grabbed her by the neck.

He lost his temper when she phoned police. Mrs Allan suffered a small cut to her left eye and soreness where her husband had grabbed her. Miss Aaron said that City of York Council could take away Dean Allan's taxi licence because of the conviction.

Updated: 10:31 Tuesday, December 24, 2002