Protection order issued against NYC TV anchorman

STAMFORD, Conn. (AP/WTNH) -- A New York City TV news anchor accused of choking his wife at their Connecticut home has been ordered to stay away from her.

Darien police say Rob Morrison, a CBS 2 morning anchor choked his wife with both hands at their Darien house early Sunday morning and then threatened to harm her even more after he was arrested.

The 44-year-old anchor was in court in Stamford on Tuesday. Before he went in he told reporters that he had 'never laid hands' on his wife but the judge said the police report indicates 'a serious incident' and the 'likelihood of a serious history.'

He ordered Morrison to stay 100 yards away from his wife, Ashley, except in the workplace. The two both work as news anchors at CBS News in New York. She anchors "CBS Moneywatch."

News 8 tried talking to Morrison when he left the courtroom.

"What do you want to say about your relationship with your wife," asked News 8's Ali Reed.

"Nothing," said Morrison.

His wife Ashley Morrison was not in court. News 8 did talk to one of her attorneys after the judge ordered her husband to stay away from her.

"She wanted an order of protection in this point in time with respect to herself but not with respect to work. She feels very comfortable if they're work together," said Steven Mandel, NY attorney.

When News 8 asked how Ashley is holding up, her attorney said, "Her world has been turned upside down. It's the last thing she ever expected, the last thing she ever wanted."

Morrison's lawyer, Robert Skovgaard, did not enter a plea. On Monday he said the allegations have been exaggerated. Morrison is due back in court March 26.

The couple has a 7-year-old son but police say he was not involved in this incident.

CBS 2 has not commented about when the Morrisons will be back on air. They've said it's a personal matter.