A Slate Belt man is accused of beating his wife until she was hospitalized for various fractures.

Charged is James Allen Hammerstone, 50, of the 500 block of Sandy Mobilbahis Shore Drive, Mount Bethel.

Pennsylvania State Police troopers on Thursday were dispatched to Hammerstone's home for a report of a dispute. Hammerstone allegedly told police his wife accused him of being unfaithful and began swinging at him before leaving the house.

Hammerstone told troopers from the Belfast barracks that he didn't want to press charges, but wanted it on record that his wife started to swing at him, police said.

Just before 9 p.m. Thursday, troopers were dispatched to St. Luke's Hospital-Anderson in Bethlehem Township. Hammerstone's wife was at the hospital being treated for injuries she said happened when Hammerstone beat her up.

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The victim told police Hammerstone accused her of being unfaithful and was struck by him until she fell into a pile of wood. She managed to flee to her son's home in Palmer Township and was then taken to the hospital, police said.

Police on Thursday obtained medical records of rib fractures and cuts that matched the victim's account of what happened, they said. Police then arrested Hammerstone.

Hammerstone is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment.

He was arraigned Wednesday before District Judge Alicia Zito, who set bail at $25,000. In lieu of bail, Hammerstone was sent to Northampton County Prison.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

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