Fiance admits hitting soap actress

Natalie Cassidy's fiance has admitted attacking her
12 April 2012

The fiance of former EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy could face jail after he admitted assaulting her.

Adam Cottrell, 31, pleaded guilty to hitting her with a slipper and grabbing her by the arms.

In the hearing at East Hertfordshire Magistrates' Court in Hertford, he also admitted one offence of criminal damage after he smashed a microwave, wine glasses and a candelabra at their home.

Magistrate Jackie Mountford told Cottrell he might be sent to prison. She said a community sentence could be appropriate, be added that "we are not at all ruling out custody at this stage".

Elaine McMillan, prosecuting, told the court Cottrell twice attacked Cassidy when they were at home.

The first occasion was on April 13 when he put make-up on her and hit her with a slipper. Mrs McMillan said: "The defendant lost his temper and he assaulted her by smearing her with mascara and striking her with a slipper on the upper leg."

During the second incident, which took place on May 20, he "grabbed her by the arms and he ripped her top", she said. Cottrell went on to damage their home after Cassidy left to stay with her family. The court heard he smashed a £200 microwave, wine glasses worth £100 and a £50 candelabra.

Mrs McMillan said a child was in the flat in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire during two of the incidents.

She added: "The aggravating features appear to be that these offences are committed when the defendant has consumed alcohol."

Cottrell, who wore a dark suit and showed no emotion during the 15-minute hearing, was granted bail on condition that he does not contact Cassidy. He is due to be sentenced on June 21 at the same court for two counts of assault by beating and one offence of criminal damage. A second count of criminal damage was withdrawn.

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