Jail warning

Attack on partner "an act of savage brutality" says sheriff


A SHERIFF has warned a man who carried out "an act of savage brutality" on his partner, that he would probably face a prison sentence.
Corrine Aitken suffered two black eyes, and multiple bruising and hair loss, at the hands of fisherman Gary Macleod at her home, 52 Murchison Street, Wick. (not their home as previously stated"
The court at Wick, heard that the couple had both been out, socially, on the evening of March 26, enjoying drinks in separate venues.. They exchanged texts but after he asked where she was, things became so acrimonious that Miss Aitken decided to ignore his messages.
Fiscal Fraser Matheson said that Miss Aitken subsequently arrived home and went to bed.
He said that she had no recollection of seeing Macleod there, but had a feeling at one point, that "somehow he was there".
Mr Matheson continued: "Her next recollection was waking up, injured and noticing clumps of her hair on the bedroom floor."
Miss Aitken managed to reach her brother's house, nearby, at 4am the following morning, in a "highly distressed" state, her face covered in blood and told him and his wife that she had been attacked by Macleod.
The police were summoned and after interviewing Miss Aitken, traced Macleod who was seen to have fresh injuries to his knuckles which were swollen and bleeding. There were signs of a disturbance having taken place at their home with clumps of Miss Aitken's hair scattered around the floor and blood on some of the inside doors
Mr Matheson said that there were " long strands of brown hair sticking to the surface of one of Macleod's hands, some of which corresponded to the pieces of hair missing from Miss Aitken's head."
When detained by the police on suspicion of having assaulted his partner, Macleod replied to the caution: "Me and Corrine had a fallout, aye".
Miss Aitken was treated at the A and E department of Caithness General Hospital for multiple bruising, tenderness and cuts, which covered most of her body. Fortunately, a CT scan and an X-ray revealed no lasting damage.
The fiscal added that the relationship was "all but at an end".
Solicitor Fiona MacDonald reserved her mitigation and requested that Macleod, currently living with his parents in Mackay Street, Castletown, be released on bail which was refused by Sheriff Andrew Berry who called for a background report.
The sheriff told Macleod, who appeared from custody and admitted the assault and a record:"From my understanding of the facts, this seems to have been an act of savage brutality. You have a previous conviction for a domestic offence and in the public interest you will be remanded in custody. I will listen to what will be said on your behalf but it may well be that a custodial sentence is inevitable."
Macleod will reappear for sentence on May 10.