A KIDDERMINSTER man has been cleared of trying to murder his wife but has admitted assaulting her and causing her actual bodily harm.

The prosecution offered no evidence at Worcester Crown Court against 52-year-old Robert Baker, of Stoney Lane, on the attempted murder charge and a not guilty verdict was recorded.

He was remanded on bail for a report by the probation service before sentence.

Michael Garrett, prosecuting, said the marriage had been failing for some time and the couple were no longer living together.

Since the incident, June Baker had made it clear she wanted her husband to receive help, not punishment.

Andrew Baker, defending, said there had been provocation towards the husband, who suspected an affair had been going on.

Judge Michael Mott said it was a grave episode and warned that Baker was "in deep trouble".