A JEALOUS husband was freed from jail after his battered wife pleaded with a judge at Worcester Crown Court.

George Smith stamped on his wife's head following a row in a pub and stole goods from a shed and a farm shop.

He was kept in custody after failing to turn up last month for sentence because he was scared of being jailed again, said his defence barrister, Gareth Walters.

But Smith's wife, Kerry, said she had forgiven him for the violence and explained that he was "less volatile" since a change in medication for depression.

"You're a very lucky man to have a wife who will speak up for you and tries to help you," said Judge David McEvoy QC.

The judge said jail would not be a constructive sentence and instead gave Smith, of Drake Avenue, Dines Green, a two-year community rehabilitation order.

Prosecutor Lucy Hawkins said Smith and another man broke into a shop at Court Farm in Tillington, Hereford, in July last year. Meat was stolen, as well as cash from a charity box.

The pair caused £1,000 damage, smashed eggs and threw other food about.

A policeman saw the men on bikes in the early hours and followed Smith's partner-in-crime to Smith's former home in Elm Road, Hereford.

Officers seized a bird table, stolen by Smith, and a £1,500 computer he snatched from a farm shed.

His accomplice was later given an 18-month conditional discharge for handling stolen goods and ordered to pay £563 compensation.

Miss Hawkins said Smith - who admitted burglary, theft and assault causing actual bodily harm - had a jealous nature and got drunk at a Worcester pub.

He began "winding up" his wife, slapped her and she went home. But he followed, pushed her to the floor and stamped on her.

Smith, aged 42, had a criminal record which began in 1977 and included threats to kill, burglary and driving offences. He was still a banned driver.

But during his year-long marriage there had been a change in attitude and a slowing down of offending, said Mr Walters.

He was trying to understand his problems and had sought psychiatric help.