Screwdriver stabber walks

A former soldier who stabbed her ex-partner eight times with a screwdriver has avoided jail.

Alison Jones, 46, has instead been told to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work despite the violent attack at Whifflet Court in November.

Jones, of Beechwood Drive, who served on two tours, pleaded guilty to the offence which “risked a custodial sentence” according to Sheriff Frank Pieri.

The procurator fiscal read: “She and the complainer had been going out for three months, but it ended just before the time of the offence.

“On the day in question, the accused attended the address.

“The complainer asked her why she was there, and she attacked him with a screwdriver to the head and torso.

“She caused eight puncture wounds in total.

“The complainer attended a concierge station where he was seen to have lots of blood on his face and clothes.

“An ambulance was called and it duly attended.

“He was treated by a doctor but didn’t require to go to hospital.

“The accused was arrested and gave a ‘no comment’ interview and made no reply to being cautioned or charged.”

Jones’ defence solicitor, Roberto Manini, argued: “This is a very serious matter and she recognises that.

“This is a lady who is fit and able to carry out unpaid work to give back to the community.

“She has served our country during two tours and this incident was out of character for her.

“I ask you to consider supervision as an appropriate way to deal with this.

“Alcohol is an issue for her and she doesn’t remember committing the crime.”

Sheriff Frank Pieri decided not to hand down a jail sentence for Jones before saying: “Any person who carries out an assault with a weapon is risking a custodial sentence.

“In this instance, that would be completely justified.

“However, you’re a first offender and have a good record from your time in the armed forces.

“I’ll impose a direct alternative to a custodial sentence.

“You’ll carry out 150 hours of unpaid work in the community and remain under supervision for 18 months.

“Your work must be completed in the next eight months and is reduced from 175.”

Slapped during street dispute

A woman who slapped her neighbour due to a long-standing dispute has been placed under supervision.

Natalie Herron, 32, pled guilty to the assault which took place on Wester Mavisbank Street last July.

The procurator fiscal read: “This incident took place during an ongoing neighbour dispute.

“The complainer was in their back garden and the accused attended the back door.

“An argument started and the accused struck the complainer in the forehead and left side of the face.

“Police were called and she was arrested.”

Herron’s defence solicitor, Roberto Manini, said: “My client accepts guilt and responsibility for her actions.

“She had just suffered two deaths in the family and this was out of character for her.

“Supervision is recommended in the reports.”

Sheriff Frank Pieri decided: “I’ll impose a period of supervision which will be for 15 months .

“You must do this properly as you can be sent to prison if you breach this order.”

Bought quadbike with fake cheque

A woman who pled guilty to fraudulently buying a quadbike in Airdrie has been given supervision.

Glenys Jenkins handed over a cheque worth £6000 to a Monklands seller in April 2016.

However, the bank account associated with the cheque contained insufficient funds, which Jenkins admitted she was aware of as the purchase was made.

The procurator fiscal said: “The complainer advertised a quadbike for sale on Gumtree.

“The accused arranged to meet via email and to pay the price of £6000 which was agreed for the sale.

“She wrote a cheque for this sum but it was declined.

“The complainer contacted her several times and arranged to meet in Glasgow city centre to pay by cash.

“However, she didn’t show and so the complainer contacted police.”

Jenkins, who now lives in Wales, was represented by Mark Lutton, who argued: “My client is assessed as vulnerable.

“She is asthmatic and unsuitable for unpaid work.”

Sheriff Frank Pieri enquired about a restriction of liberty order before saying: “My options are fairly limited here.

“This is a serious matter and I’ll impose an alternative to custody. “I’ll place you under supervision for two years.”

Drug assessment

An Airdrie man who pled guilty to 12 counts of theft from local shops will return to court at the end of the month.

Stephen Leyden, 46, of Luing, has been bailed and placed under a drug assessment order.

She attacked him with a screwdriver and caused eight puncture wounds to the head and torso