AN eminent Hampshire barrister has been convicted of assaulting his wife of 55 years.

Roger Backhouse QC had initially denied attacking Elizabeth on October 30 last year.

But Backhouse, 79, of Parchment Street, Winchester, admitted the charge at a later hearing at magistrates court.

The bench imposed a community order ordering him to undertake a rehabilitation activity requirement for up to 20 days.

He was also ordered to pay an £85 victim surcharge and £500 prosecution costs.

No compensation ordered because magistrates said it would be inappropriate.

Backhouse was called to the bar in 1965 and was made a Queen's Counsel in 1984.