Teignbridge councillor Douglas Hellier-Laing admits wife attack
Chudleigh Town CouncilA senior councillor has admitted a serious attack on his wife during a "moment of madness".
Douglas Hellier-Laing, 67, a cabinet member at Teignbridge District Council, Devon, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in the attack on 29 October.
The prosecution dropped a charge of attempted murder, which he had denied.
He was told at Exeter Crown Court that a custodial sentence was inevitable and was remanded in custody.
Conservative Hellier-Laing of Clifford Street, Chudleigh, previously described the attack as a "moment of madness" to police, the court heard.
Following the attack, Susan Hellier-Laing was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
A spokesperson for the council said Hellier-Laing held the portfolio for economy and tourism until after his first court appearance.
They added that in law, a councillor is disqualified when they are "convicted of a criminal offence and has passed on him/her a sentence of over three months" and that the council "will continue to act in accordance with the law".
