White says work put him in cells

Chef Marco Pierre White has blamed his workaholic nature for the row which led to him spending a night in a police cell.

Third wife Mati, 40, called officers to their £3million home last Wednesday 'to teach him a lesson' after a spat about the demands of his 15-hours-a-day job.

Mr White, 43, admitted yesterday: 'What happened was her making a protest - she wants me to spend more time with her and the children.

'But I am an obsessive. When I throw myself into my work, there is no pulling me away from it.' He said the 14 hours in a cell was a 'therapeutic' experience and a chance to reflect on his family duties. The row flared as the couple drove home from White's restaurant,

Frankie's Bar and Grill, in Knightsbridge.

Mrs White reportedly slapped her husband's face, pulled his hair and demanded he leave the house in Holland Park, West London. White told her he was in the 13-year marriage only for the sake of their children, Luciano, ten, Marco, eight, and threeyearold Mirabelle.

Mrs White said: 'He never meant it. When Marco is angry he reacts passionately and regrets it later.'