Six-month sentence for Fife man who battered partner

A Dunfermline man is behind bars for a “sustained and brutal” attack on his partner.

Iain McLeod (20), of Abel Place, appeared for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, where he was told he could have been facing an attempted murder charge.

He admitted on 14th February at their home he assaulted his then partner and repeatedly pushed her on the body causing her to fall on a bed and sofa.

He repeatedly seized her by the throat and compressed it and repeatedly punched her on the head and body.

He also admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting, swearing and making threatening remarks.

Depute fiscal Dev Kapadia said McLeod and his partner had been in a relationship for eight months when the incident occurred.

McLeod had become distant over personal issues and an argument had broken out over water spilling on to the floor in the bathroom.

McLeod had left his home but returned a short time later drinking alcohol and attacked his partner pushing her on to a bed, grabbing her around the neck and squeezing tightly.

His partner began to fight back and bit him on the hand.

“He then grabbed her and threw her over a sofa, again grabbing her throat in an attempt to choke her,” said the depute.

He began to punch her in the face and the victim made two 999 calls in quick succession as the attack continued.

“She was screaming and asking for police assistance. She then called her father asking for him to come and collect her. She said the accused had assaulted her and she was bleeding from her ear.

“He then began to punch her on the head and ears again.”

The victim’s injuries included cuts, bruises and swelling to her face. She also had damage caused to her teeth. She received hospital treatment.

Defence solicitor Danielle Varela said at one point the woman had picked up a Stanley knife. Sheriff Charles MacNair responded, “From what I’ve heard she would have been quite entitled to pick up a Stanley knife.”

Ms Varela said her client was in a “vulnerable and confused state of mind” at the time. She added, “His position is that the red mist descended”.

She said the complainer was still a friend and was with McLeod in court.

Sheriff MacNair told McLeod, “On one view it was attempted murder.”

He went on, “This was a sustained and brutal attack on your partner.”

He imposed a custodial sentence of six months.