A man has been found guilty of assaulting his wife after an eagle-eyed neighbour filmed the attack on his i-phone.

John Valentine Riddlestone, of London Road, North Cheam, slapped his estranged wife, Rosemary, outside the family home on July 2 following a drunken argument about dog food.

The 45-year-old, appearing at Sutton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (September 2), denied the charge of assault saying he had merely “pushed” his wife.

Referring to the incident, he told the court: “She was drunk as usuaI, I’ve been dealing with these problems for many years. I am quite big and forceful in that way. But I did not slap her, that is the truth.”

But, unbeknown to the defendant, neighbour Tom Fry had spotted the pair screaming and throwing shopping at each other and began recording.

Despite being shown the film where the clap is not only visible but audible, Mr Valentine pleaded not guilty.

Peter Man, prosecuting, said: “You have a bit of temper don’t you? Unfortunately for you, Mr Riddlestone, you didn’t realise your neighbour was recording you.”

Magistrates told Mr Riddlestone they did not his “version of events” and asked him to return for sentencing on September 9.