A man egged on his wife during an assault, saying "kill her" as she clawed at his ex-partner.

The assault on the victim - which took place in front of her young son - was described by magistrates as "nasty" and left the victim "traumatised".

Luke Cooney, 28, and his wife Shannon, 29, appeared before Weymouth Magistrates’ Court for sentencing after previously being convicted following a trial.

The charges refer to an incident on land off the A35 west of Dorchester on Boxing Day last year, when the pair assaulted Jodie Taylor, and Luke Cooney also caused £200 worth of damage to her Audi.

Victoria Hill, prosecuting said: “The victim is Luke Cooney’s ex-wife.

“Jodie Taylor and Luke Cooney have three children together. In December their ages were nine, three and one.

“The victim was in Sainsbury’s on Bridport Road in Dorchester at around 4pm, she was there with Luke Cooney’s mother when they left the store and saw Luke Cooney in the middle of the road.

“He shouted: ‘If she comes near I’ll punch her in the mouth’, he then reversed at speed towards the victim, which the victim felt was an attempt to threaten her.

“Later that day, the victim visited a friend and had to drive past Luke Cooney’s caravan.

“As she drove past, Luke Cooney ran out in front of the car and stood in front holding a large plastic container.

“Luke Cooney came round to the driver’s side of the car, kicking it and caused damage.

“The victim feared for her son’s safety, she exited the car and Shannon Cooney dived towards her, taking her to the ground.

“Shannon Cooney pulled the victim’s hair whilst Luke Cooney attempted to kick her in the head, but was prevented by his mother holding him back.

“He shouted ‘just kill her Shannon, kill her’.

“Shannon Cooney dug her nails into the victim’s right eye and (the victim) sustained scratches, bruises and swelling.

“Both defendants pleaded not guilty and contested the charges but were convicted after a trial.”

In a witness statement read out to the court, Jodie Taylor said: “As a result of this unprovoked attack, I feel traumatised.

“I am devastated that my son witnessed the attack and my children have to see my face after being assaulted.”

Both defendants, of Bridport Road, Martinstown, represented themselves at the hearing.

Shannon Cooney told magistrates: "I respect whatever decision you make."

Luke Cooney said if the court issued a restraining order it would make it very difficult to see his children.

Chair of the magistrates' bench Michael Harris told them: “You participated in a nasty assault and also committed criminal damage.

“These are very serious offences and we have taken into consideration the effect on the victim and the child who was present.”

Shannon Cooney was given a nine-month community order with rehabilitation activity, fined £150, ordered to pay £150 costs and £200 compensation.

Luke Cooney was given a 12-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work. He must pay £650 costs, a £114 surcharge and compensation amounts of £100 and £200.

Both were also given a 12-month restraining order against Jodie Taylor. Luke Cooney must contact his children through solicitors.