Worthing pensioner assaulted partner, 78, because ‘it’s the only way to get her to stop talking’

Frederick Edwards, 71, of Birkdale Close in Worthing, pleaded guilty to beating his now ex-partner, Hilary Edwards, on July 29.

This morning (November 24), Worthing Magistrates’ Court heard Edwards began lashing out at Hilary during an argument over food preparation.

Gaynor Byng, prosecuting, said Edwards lashed out at Hilary four times as she backed away, eventually landing a blow on her forehead, causing bruising.

“He hits her as it’s the only way to get her to stop talking,” said Ms Byng, a proclamation that brought audible laughter from Edwards in the dock.

Chairman of the bench, William Gibbons, responded ‘I don’t think it’s very funny, Mr Edwards’, before the defendant apologised.

The court heard this was not the first time Edwards had assaulted his ex-partner.

His defence counsel, Julia French, said the 71-year-old had suffered a stroke on Boxing Day, 2018, which affected his speech and resulted in a ‘personality change’.

“He says he often finds himself in a situation where he’s being interrupted or talked over and gets frustrated that he can’t properly communicate how he feels,” said Ms French.

“He accepts on this occasion he did lash out and strike his ex-partner, but before the stroke took place he would never have reacted in this way.”

Edwards’ medical records support a personality change took place following his stroke, the court heard.

The couple are now going through a divorce, the court heard, and Edwards is living in rented accommodation.

He pleaded guilty to assault by beating and was told to return to Worthing Magistrates’ Court on December 21.

Edwards was released on bail, conditional on not contacting Hilary Edwards at all or visiting her address.