It doesn't look like it was a happy marriage, so they may have separated fairly early on.
Coventry Evening Telegraph
09 Oct 1913
Coventry Police Court
"Made It Up"
- Arthur Cooke, 1h 3c, Spon End,
- summoned by Lily Janet Cooke, his wife,
- for assault and defendant admitted the offence
- Mrs Cooke said they had been married six years
- in consequence of defendant's conduct she fetched a policeman,
- and then her husband slapped her face
- they has since "made it up",
- and she did not want to press the case
- the Bench adjourned the matter for a month
Coventry Herald
10 Oct 1913
Coventry City Police
Two Wife Assaults
- Arthur Cooke, 3c 1h, Spon End,
- pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife,
- who stated that he began to break crockery and then hit her
- the had since made it up and she did not want to press the case
- a month's adjournment was ordered
There is similar story the following year for an Arthur Cooke, also of Spon End. However, one item states this couple had been married 3 years. So this could be a different couple or the item could be incorrect. The address does tally with Comberton's info though.
Coventry Evening Telegraph
30 Apr 1914
Coventry Police Court
Husband Fined For Assault
- Arthur Cooke,
- 1 Nag's Head Yard, Spon End,
- summoned for assaulting his wife
- Mrs Cooke stated that one April 24
- her husband came home worse for drink and ill-used her,
- punching her in the face, held her by the throat
- and pulled out handsful of hair
- she got out of the house and stayed at a friend's
- and had not returned to her husband
- defendant expressed his regret
- and said complainant had been a good wife
- and he had been very silly
- he had taken an oath not to repeat the offence
- Ald. [A. H.] Drinkwater said the magistrates felt very strongly
- about men ill-treating their wives
- a fine of 20s and cost was imposed
Coventry Standard
01 May 1914
Coventry Police Court
Broken Promises
Wife's Fear Of Her Husband
- Arthur Cooke, the Nag's Head Yard, Spon End,
- summoned for assaulting his wife,
- and at conclusion of her evidence she said
- she was afraid to return as she was in fear of him
- they had been married three years,
- and during that time he had beaten her on a number of occasions
- in her evidence Mrs Cooke said her husband came home drunk,
- and complained of no food being ready for him
- she undertook to prepare a meal,
- but he seized her and threw her on the floor,
- threatening to take her life
- she fled to a neighbour's house
- but he followed her there and she had to leave
- in reply to the magistrates' clerk,
- she said had not since returned home,
- and was afraid to do so
- the defendant, who pleaded guilty to the assault,
- promised amendment
- the complainant said she could not accept his word
- he had made similar promises before, and had broken them,
- during the three years they had been married
- probably if she did return he would treat her properly
- for a short time and then break out again
- that had been her experience
- the Bench inflicted a fine of 20s and costs,
- or in default 28 days