Wayne Cooper's domestic shame

WAYNE Cooper lashed out at his wife amid a tangled web of family intrigue, infidelity, financial problems and her treatment for cancer, a court has heard.

WAYNE Cooper assaulted his wife days after she had cancer surgery, and following her admission she in a relationship with someone else, a court has heard.

The fashion designer, 44, today pleaded guilty to common assault after charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intimidation were dropped.

He was charged after a domestic dispute with Sarah Marsh on June 19 at their Tamarama home, in Sydney's east.

Cooper was also served with an interim domestic violence order preventing him from approaching Ms Marsh and barring him from the house.

Ms Marsh, dressed in black, and Cooper were both in court today.

The fight over domestic finances came two weeks after Ms Marsh left hospital after surgery for gall bladder cancer, police prosecutor Leesa McEvoy said.

"This is not a matter that is trivial. It does involve domestic violence,'' Sergeant McEvoy told the court.

"Mr Cooper knew his partner had undergone surgery ... he was aware of that, your honour.''

Mr Cooper's barrister Ian McClintock said his client was mimicking Ms Marsh when he pushed her, as she had allegedly pushed him on an earlier holiday.

He argued for no conviction to be recorded as it may hinder Cooper's ability to travel overseas for business.

Mr McClintock said the couple's 12-year relationship had recently deteriorated and they sought counselling, during which Ms Marsh revealed she was in a relationship with someone else.

"We would suggest there is some elements to some degree ... of provocation by Ms Marsh,'' he said.

"This is a domestic argument that ascends on both sides.''

Cooper, wearing a dark suit, sat quietly while his lawyer read out a list of character references.
Magistrate Michael Dakin is expected to sentence Cooper later this afternoon.

UK-born Cooper completed a law degree before moving to Australia and entering the fashion industry.

He launched his self-titled clothing label - Wayne Cooper - in 1996 and now has stores in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.