A WIFE threw boiling coffee over her estranged husband's crotch, a court heard.

Lisa Hawkins threw the mug at Glynn Hawkins while they were arguing about their children in May. The couple, who have two children, had decided to end their 13-year relationship.

During a discussion about custody of the children, Mr Hawkins offered his wife a drink, but unkind words were said and Mr Hawkins asked her to repeat them so he could record it on his mobile phone. Instead she threw the mug, containing hot coffee, in his direction.

Lesley Ashton, prosecuting at Worcester Magistrates Court, said: “He received a blow to his genital area followed by a burning sensation. She had thrown a boiling hot drink over him. He was in agony.”

A paramedic arrived and advised him to cool himself in a cold bath as he had scalding to his thigh and groin area.

The 37-year-old of Orford Way, Malvern, admitted the charge of assault by beating when she appeared in court on Monday, October 19.

In mitigation, Edward Gaynor-Smith said she had thrown it near him using a ‘back-handed’ motion and Hawkins was of previous good character.

He said there had been a great deal of history between the couple, and the police had been called on a number of occasions where she had been the victim.

Mr Gaynor-Smith said Hawkins had also not realised the coffee was as hot as it was. “It is an extremely sorry state of affairs that she is here today,” he said.

Chairman of the magistrates Nicola Phillips said it had been a very serious assault in a domestic situation, but they had thought long and hard about the circumstances.

Magistrates gave Hawkins a two-year conditional discharge, ordered her to pay £150 in compensation and costs of £100.

l Your Worcester News was the only member of the media to attend the hearing.