Kate Middleton's uncle spared jail after apologising for knocking his wife unconscious with a 'left hook'

The Duchess of Cambridge's uncle was spared jail despite admitting he attacking his wife and knocking her to the ground during a drunken argument.

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

He was handed a 12-month community order, including 20 sessions of rehabilitation requirement and fined £5,000 at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (November 28).

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £170 and costs of £85.

Prosecutor Kate Shilton previously 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.

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

He previously pleaded guilty to one count of assault by beating on November 14 at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

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