The Duchess of Cambridge's uncle has admitted knocking his wife unconscious after a drunken row in a taxi on the way home from a night out. Gary Goldsmith, struck Julie-Ann Goldsmith with a 'left hook'  as they returned home following a charity auction at a private members' club in London in October.

The drunken attack, which unfolded in front of a shocked taxi driver, left Mrs Goldsmith unconscious on the ground and needing hospital treatment, Westminster magistrates were told. 

Businessman Goldsmith, estimated to be worth £30million, is the younger brother of the Duchess's mother Carole Middleton and attended the weddings of both Kate and Pippa.

Prosecutor Kate Shilton told the court Mrs Goldsmith fell down after her husband threw what was described by their taxi driver, Daniel Shepherd, as a 'left hook'.

She said: 'The argument took place in the back of a taxi. They both got out of the taxi and he [Mr Shepherd] describes Mrs Goldsmith slapping her husband to the face.

'He then describes how Mr Goldsmith punches her hard in the face using a left hook.

'Mrs Goldsmith has then fallen backwards. He says: "She appears to be unconscious, she isn't moving".'

It was previously claimed the pair had argued over Mr Goldsmith's alleged cocaine use. A magistrate said they were 'both very drunk'.

Mrs Goldsmith was knocked to the ground, where she remained with her eyes closed for around 15 seconds before coming to and staggering to her feet, the court heard. She asked the taxi driver to call the police.

Ms Shilton said: 'She [Mrs Goldsmith] then becomes upset, starts crying and uses some railings to assist her.'

After the incident, Goldsmith was described as 'panicked and walking in and out of the house, trying to get her to go back in the house'.

The court was told that, when the taxi driver challenged Goldsmith over his actions, he became aggressive.

At the police station, Goldsmith told officers he had pushed his wife hard with his left hand, but denied using a hook.

The couple had been at a charity auction at Home House in Portman Square, Marylebone before they clashed. 

Mrs Goldsmith was taken to hospital in an ambulance after she was hit, but was later discharged, the court heard. 

Earlier in the night, Goldsmith had posted a photo of the couple online revealing that he'd successfully bid to join a 'bucket list' expedition to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Goldsmith, who appeared in court today, admitted one charge of assault by beating today.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment but it is believed he will face community service. 

Daily Mail