A MAN accused of hitting his wife of 18 years as she lay semi-asleep in bed has lost his appeal against a conviction for common assault.

Maintenance fitter Paul Shaw was given a 12-month conditional discharge by Kidderminster magistrates in March and ordered to pay £50 costs and £50 compensation to his wife, Angela.

Shaw, 42, of Beeches Road, Kidderminster, was ordered to pay £117 costs when he lost his appeal at Worcester Crown Court.

Mr Peter Arnold, for the Crown, said Mrs Shaw was in bed on October 1 last year when her husband returned from the pub.

She complained when he put the light on and she alleged he prodded her on the arm and punched her thigh, causing bruises.

She told the court that he lay naked on the floor at one stage, stared her in the face and was abusive. She went to police because she was distressed and frightened.

Shaw, who has lost his job at Romwire in Kidderminster, told the court he had drunk four pints but did not have a drink problem.

His wife had complained when he put the bedroom light on but he had undressed quietly and got into bed.

Former work colleague Anthony Dalzell said he had known Shaw, a man of good character, for 17 years and had never seen him lose his temper.

But Judge David Matthews, sitting with magistrates, said they were sure the assault had been committed.