Graham Page, 46, pictured outside Bristol Magistrates' Court, has admitted assault

A desperate husband who saved his wife from taking her own life was too heavy-handed in his rescue attempt and has now admitted assault in court.

Graham Page found his wife Alexandra had left a suicide note at their home and dragged her to safety after finding her intoxicated and 'hysterical' in her car.

But his rescue got a bit 'out of hand' and he was reported to police for assault by someone who saw the incident in the Redland area of Bristol on December 14.

He was brought to Bristol Magistrates' Court, where he admitted assault and was given a 12-month community order including 100 hours of unpaid work.

The 46-year-old admitted that after pulling her from the car, he 'cuffed' her to the head when she was hysterical and dragged her along the ground by her clothes to get her home.

Page was brought to Bristol Magistrates' Court (file picture), where he admitted assault

After the hearing, Page said: 'I'm a little bit gutted. Obviously it got way out of hand and it really was a minor thing. It was a difficult situation.

'I did what was necessary at the time and I wish it had been different. I don't know if I'd do exactly the same. I like to know I learn from my mistakes, to be honest.

What did Graham Page say outside court? 'I'm a little bit gutted. Obviously it got way out of hand and it really was a minor thing. It was a difficult situation. ' I did what was necessary at the time and I wish it had been different. I don't know if I'd do exactly the same. 'I like to know I learn from my mistakes, to be honest. 'I think it has been a bit harsh that I've got a criminal record for this.' Advertisement

'I think it has been a bit harsh that I've got a criminal record for this.'

Michael Collins, prosecuting, said Page pulled his wife of four years from her car and conceded he 'cuffed' her to the head when she was hysterical. The court heard he then dragged her by her clothes after she fell to ground to get her home.

Mike Wynter, defending, told the court how police spoke to Mrs Page after the incident and she had no facial injuries.

He said: 'A suicide note was left by her at her address. This clearly concerned my client when he saw her in the vehicle.'

Mr Wynter added that Page could have been justified in pulling her from the car, to prevent her from drink driving and seriously harming herself.

But he accepted Page had no lawful excuse in cuffing her or dragging her. Mr Wynter added that the couple were working on their relationship.

Page was also told to pay an £85 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesman told MailOnline: 'We only bring cases to court where the police have given us a file, there is sufficient evidence and the public interest test is met.'

And an Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: 'As with any investigation we put together a file which is presented to the CPS which makes a decision on whether or not to prosecute.'

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