A MAN admitted assaulting his soon-to-be wife after a row about wedding plans after allegedly sinking FORTY pints of bitter.

Andrew Hollis, 29, has been left with a court bill of £894 after admitting assault on his partner and has been told his court costs have to take priority ahead of paying for his wedding.

The pair, who have been engaged for four years, were drinking in a pub at lunch time on May 21 but returned home to discuss their nuptials.

The couple began to disagree on details about the ceremony, which is still scheduled for next month despite his conviction, and he pushed her onto the sofa and pinned her down.

Moments later, after another disagreement, he grabbed her by the hands and threatened to kill her.

Hollis, of High Street, Earls Colne, admitted assault at Colchester Magistrates' Court.

The court heard the pair are still due to get married and his partner wanted to drop the case.

Ashley Petchey, prosecuting questioned whether his notes stating Hollis had drunk 40 pints of bitter in the hours before the incident were accurate, but Hollis confirmed the amount was correct.

Magistrates handed him a fine of £736, and a victim surcharge of £73.

Hollis was given 28 days to pay the balance and chairman of the bench Bonnie Hill said: "You have narrowly avoided unpaid work and we have converted your punishment into a fine.

"We know there is an expense in your life coming up but this has to take priority."