The court heard the couple were in an argument about retirement funds, and what the woman believed to be extravagant spending from her husband, who primarily has controlled the finances in their marriage.

The couple then went to bed, at which point the woman slapped and hit him as he was trying to fall asleep.

Solicitor Emily Peoples described the relationship as an "otherwise harmonious marriage".

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"She called the police to report herself because her actions gave her such a fright," Ms Peoples said.

"Her actions went against her character which is otherwise compassionate."

Magistrate Jennifer Atkinson found the woman guilty of common assault but without conviction. The woman was entered into a conditional release order for 12 months.

"You've expressed remorse and contrition. You've spent your whole life helping people and I accept you snapped, but you can't do it," Magistrate Atkinson said.

The couple are now seeking therapy together.

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