Fife pensioner jailed after hitting wife over the head with an iron
A Fife pensioner is behind bars after hitting his wife over the head with an iron.
Serial domestic abuser John Canning (65) also kicked the woman in the face and knocked a tooth out.
Canning already had an “appalling” record for domestic abuse against a previous partner before attacking his new wife.
The incident resulting in Canning appearing in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.
He admitted that on 6th December at Wellesley Road, Methil, he assaulted Louise Canning, his then wife, by pushing her on the body, repeatedly kicking her on the head and striking her on the head with an iron, all to her injury.
Canning, now of Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, was remanded in custody and will be told the length of his jail term next month.
Depute fiscal Sarah Lumsden said there had been an argument between the victim and Canning, who had been drinking.
“He told her she would have to choose either him or her son. She said she didn’t want to choose but she would choose her son if she had to,” she continued.
There was a struggle in the bedroom and she fell to the floor. Canning then repeatedly kicked her on the face, with one blow striking her in the mouth.
“He then hit her over the back of the head with an iron. She was begging him to stop,” added the depute.
Canning then phoned an acquaintance and told them, “I’ve beaten Louise up”.
The victim had a swollen face, blood on her face and was treated in hospital after being taken initially to her son’s home.
Canning later told police, “I’ve been an idiot. It’s her laddie’s fault. I’ve went ballistic.”
The court was told Canning had a serious drink problem and was seeking help for it.
Sheriff Charles MacNair told Canning, “You have the most appalling record of domestic abuse against your previous partner.
“Then no sooner do you marry your new wife than you, in your own words, ‘beat her up’.
“You struck her on the head with an iron. It’s only by the greatest of good fortune that the injury was not more serious.”
The sheriff said he would call for reports but only to see if there was a need for post-release supervision as a jail sentence would be imposed.
Sentence was deferred until 4th December and Canning was remanded in custody.
