Kate Middleton's uncle admits drunken brawl with his wife

Gary Goldsmith, 52, hit Julie-Ann Goldsmith, 47, outside their £1.8 million home after returning from a charity do in the early hours of October 13.

The pair had been arguing in the back of a black cab and as they got out outside their Marylebone house Goldsmith was slapped in the face by his wife. Millionaire Goldsmith, the younger brother of Kate's mother Carole Middleton, then punched her with a closed fist, magistrates heard.

Goldsmith fell to the floor, smacking her head on the pavement, and appeared to be unconscious not moving for 15 seconds before coming to.

Crying she asked cabbie Daniel Shepherd to call police and Goldsmith was arrested shortly before 1.30am.

She was taken to hospital having suffered bruising to her cheek, a graze on her right elbow and some scratches on two of her fingers.

She did not suffer a head injury and was sent home with paracetamol, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.

Goldsmith, who has been to the weddings of both his nieces Kate and Pippa

Middleton, appeared in court where he pleaded guilty to assault by beating.

He told police he had only pushed her over but the court heard a basis of plea had been reached which was largely agreed between both sides.

Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot said: "It pretty much reflects the Crown's case" before adding Goldsmith did not face jail but would have to do community service instead.

But she wanted to know what steps she could take " to protect this lady

from this man."

Prosecutor Kate Shilton showed photos of the s Goldsmith's injuries to the bench and said: "She reports she has been in a relationship for around seven years with Goldsmith.

Describing Shepherd's account, she said: "He again described how both parties were drunk. He formed this impression due to the manner of their speech.