face trial in November. Terrence Simons, 35, of Hillview Road, admitted striking Tina Simons but Senior Magistrate William Francis ruled the case should go to trial because the defendant said it was done in self defence.

Mr. Francis said: "You raised the issue of self defence so I can't accept a guilty plea.'' Simons told yesterday's court that he punched Miss Simons in the eye at her Southampton home in June after a row over the upbringing of their seven-year-old daughter.

The two share the same surname but have never been married.

He said: "I didn't want to hit her but we had an argument and it broke into a fight. She was trying to attack me and I had to defend myself. I won't let anyone beat me.'' But Mr. Francis said: `We live in a day and age when people don't know how to get angry without striking out. In this case you took a fist to a lady's eye.

"The only proper sentence would be prison. At face value I might have to give you at least three months in jail.'' Simons told the court that he was now friends with Miss Simons and that she wanted to drop the charges.

Mr. Francis said: "You say this so perhaps we should hear from her. I think this should go to trial.'' Simons was bailed for $500 to appear in court on November 27.