Kate Middleton's uncle admits drunken attack on wife outside Marylebone home

The Duchess of Cambridge's uncle has admitted attacking his wife and knocking her to the ground during a drunken argument on the way home from a charity event.

Gary Goldsmith, 52, used a closed fist to attack Julie-Ann Goldsmith outside their home in Wimpole Street, Marylebone, at around 1.20am on October 13.

On Tuesday (November 14) he appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court and pleaded guilty to one count of assault by beating.

Prosecutor Kate Shilton told the court Mrs Goldsmith fell to the floor after her husband threw what was described by their taxi driver, Daniel Shepherd, as a “left hook” to the face.

Ms Shilton told the court: “The argument took place in the back of a taxi. They both got out of the taxi and he [Mr Shepherd] describes Mrs Goldsmith slapping her husband to the face.

“He then describes how Mr Goldsmith punches her hard in the face using a left hook.

“Mrs Goldsmith has then fallen backwards. He said 'she appears to be unconscious, she isn't moving'."

The west London resident was knocked to the ground, where she remained with her eyes closed for around 15 seconds before waking up and staggering to her feet, the court heard.

Ms Shilton added: “She [Mrs Goldsmith] then becomes upset, starts crying and uses some railings to assist her.”

Following the incident, Kate Middleton's uncle was described as “panicked and walking in and out of the house, trying to get her to go back in the house”.

When the taxi driver challenged Goldsmith over his actions, he then became aggressive towards him, the court was told on Tuesday (November 14).

Mrs Goldsmith then asked Mr Shepherd to call the police.

At the police station, Goldsmith told officers he had pushed his wife hard with his left hand but denied using a hook during the assault.

The court heard that he was apologetic for his actions.

Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot said: "I am excluding custody and looking at a community order.

"But I am really looking at how to protect this lady from this man."

Goldsmith is the brother of Carole Middleton and attended the weddings of both Kate and Pippa.

The defendant, who was brought up with his sister in Southall, will be sentenced at the same court on November 21.

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