Benante’s wife ‘attacked him from behind’

Jailed: Charle and Sandra Benante's booking photos (Elkhart County Sheriff's Dept)

Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante’s wife Sandra attacked him from behind in an assault that led to both of them being jailed, his attorney has said.

The couple found themselves behind bars in Indiana at the weekend, charged with domestic battery in front of a child. Benante’s head was bandaged when his police booking photo was taken.

They return to court on Friday, where the drummer’s representative, William L Hotopp, says his client will be vindicated.

The lawyer explains: “Last Friday Charlie was assaulted several times during an altercation that sent him to the emergency room with a gash at the back of his head that required several staples to close.

“Mr Benante and his six-year-old daughter Mia had travelled to Elkhart, Indiana, to meet Mrs Benante and her 17-year-old son, who was participating in a baseball series.

“At some point words were exchanged between Mr Benante, Mrs Benante and her male companion that led to a scuffle.

“Mrs Benante hit Mr Benante in the face, he pushed her away, and as he turned to leave with Mia, Mrs Benante assaulted him from behind, hitting him multiple times on the back of the head with a cellphone.

“Police were called and both were detained. Mr Benante is understandably distraught by this incident, and that his daughter, who he dotes on, witnessed it.”

Benante, 49, will appear in Elkhart County Court, Indiana, and Hotopp says: “We expect complete vindication.”