The signs of a failing marriage were on full display in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday after a husband pleaded guilty to chopping his wife after he claimed he was defending himself.

The defendant, Lloyd Housen of a Kingston 2 address, is charged with assault at common law, assault occasioning bodily harm and unlawful wounding. He is to return to court on March 1.

The court heard that the complainant and the accused have been married for 12 years, However, the relationship started to deteriorate, leading to verbal confrontations.

Housen told the court of "constant provocation" by his wife caused the disputes. He described the provocation, telling the court, "she keep bringing in man" into their house under the pretence that they were her male relatives.

However, the complainant told the court that the house which they shared as a married couple belongs to her because she was living there before they met.

On the other hand, Housen said when he met the complainant the house only had, "one room" and it took both their efforts to expand it.

a physical altercation

The complainant also explained to the court that the accused had not been fulfilling his responsibility as a provider which Housen denied.

He later revealed he has already started to remove his belongings from the house as he plans to live elsewhere.

Allegations are that about 9:30 a.m. on February 15, Housen and his wife were involved in a physical altercation when a machete was used to slap the woman several times.

A stone was also reportedly used to hit her on her left foot and on the left side of her head, causing a wound which bled in addition to causing swelling and bruises.