Vicious attack on woman

The accused dragged her by the hair back into the property

A despicable yob who repeatedly kicked his partner on the body in broad daylight has narrowly avoided a prison sentence.

Brute David Lafferty, of Glenboig, also seized his stunned victim by the hair and dragged her into a property on Coronation Place, in Gartcosh.

Lafferty, 30, was seen committing his disturbing attack by two members of the public driving by the scene, who later contacted the police.

The shocking offence took place on June 26 and South Medrox Farm resident Lafferty admitted his guilt at Airdrie Sheriff Court two months later.

He returned for sentencing last week after reports into his background were compiled and procurator fiscal Yolande Love told the court: “The witness was in a relationship with the accused for nine months.

“At 8.18pm, civilians were driving when they observed the accused standing over the witness in the street, outside a property. They saw

“Police investigated and after speaking to the other witnesses, the accused was arrested.”

Mitigating on Lafferty’s behalf, defence solicitor Darran Khorasani said: “He doesn’t have much of a record; this is out of character. It is a serious offence.

“The complainer and Mr Lafferty remain in a relationship which has continued since he was released from custody.

“He immediately made a full apology to his partner.

“My client is happy to comply with any alternative to custody.”

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre was unimpressed by Lafferty’s actions and told him: “There is not much of a record, but you should know better than to assault a woman – normally people who do this go to prison.

“But I will give you the alternative of a community payback order with 12 months’ supervision and 140 hours’ unpaid work.

“This is reduced from 150 [hours] due to your plea and you will complete it within six months.

“If you don’t co-operate you may find yourself in prison.”