MICHAEL Jackson impersonator Keith Preddie has pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife following an argument over Christmas presents.
Preddie, of Stanger Road, South Norwood, sobbed as he admitted attacking spouse Emma after CCTV footage of the December 19 attack was admitted as evidence to Croydon Magistrates' Court this afternoon.
The 41-year-old, who runs a support group for single dads in New Addington, had previously denied the charge.
The court heard that at 9.45pm Mrs Preddie was in the back room of the family home in Clifton Road, Coulsdon, wrapping Christmas presents.
Prosecuting, Louise Thomas said: "He (Preddie) then went into the room and asked if she had anything left that he could give to his mother. She said she had already given his mother a present. He then got angry and said he had been shopping all day looking for a present for his mother.
"When she saw how angry he had become she said she wouldn't talk to him until he calmed down. Suddenly he grabbed a washing frame with clothes on and threw it at her.
"It landed a foot away from her. At that point she told him he 'better calm down or grow up' so he left the room."
Ms Thomas continued: "After a while he returned and started shouting again. He then threw a plastic step at Mrs Preddie hitting her on the left arm.
"At that point she stood up and told him to get out. He replied 'You get out!'
"At this point she walked up to him and he pinned her down by both arms. Holding each arm, she was pinned down against the sofa.
"She shouted: 'Get off me! Leave me alone!' He then let her go and she left the room. The argument caused so much commotion that it woke up their 12-year-old daughter."
The court heard Mrs Preddie called the police the following day after talking to a domestic violence helpline.
Ms Thomas added: "She told Mr Preddie that she called the police and he said he knew what he had done was wrong and apologised."
Preddie, who had more than a dozen supporters in court, was arrested the next day and made no comment to police when questioned.
He was released on bail and will be sentenced on April 10.
