Kate Middleton's Uncle Admits Attacking Wife With 'Left Hook'

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The Duchess of Cambridge's uncle has admitted punching his wife outside their home in a drunken spat.

Gary Goldsmith, 52, struck Julie-Ann Goldsmith, 47, with a 'left hook' following a night at a private members' club in central London.

The drunken attack, which unfolded in front of a shocked taxi driver, left Mrs Goldsmith needing hospital treatment, Westminster magistrates were told.

Businessman Goldsmith, estimated to be worth £30million, is the younger brother of the Duchess's mother Carole Middleton and attended the weddings of both Kate and Pippa.


Prosecutor Kate Shilton told the court Mrs Goldsmith fell down after her husband threw what was described by their taxi driver, Daniel Shepherd, as a 'left hook'.

She said: 'The argument took place in the back of a taxi. They both got out of the taxi and he [Mr Shepherd] describes Mrs Goldsmith slapping her husband to the face.

'He then describes how Mr Goldsmith punches her hard in the face using a left hook.

'Mrs Goldsmith has then fallen backwards. He says: "She appears to be unconscious, she isn't moving''.'

Mrs Goldsmith was knocked to the ground, where she remained with her eyes closed for around 15 seconds before waking up and staggering to her feet, the court heard.

Ms Shilton said: 'She [Mrs Goldsmith] then becomes upset, starts crying and uses some railings to assist her.'

After the incident, Goldsmith was described as 'panicked and walking in and out of the house, trying to get her to go back in the house'.

The court was told that, when the taxi driver challenged Goldsmith over his actions, he then became aggressive towards him.

Mrs Goldsmith then asked the taxi driver to call the police.

At the police station, Goldsmith told officers he had pushed his wife hard with his left hand, but denied using a hook.

The couple had been at a charity auction at Home House in Portman Square, Marylebone before they clashed.

Mrs Goldsmith was taken to hospital in an ambulance after she was hit, but was later discharged, the court heard.

Goldsmith, who appeared in court wearing a blue three-piece suit with a bronze-coloured tie and a patterned handkerchief in his breast pocket, admitted one charge of assault by beating today.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment but it is believed he will face community service.