Man who seized partner’s throat breached court order

An aggressive Coatbridge man who slapped his partner on the face before seizing her by the throat has admitted breaching his court order punishment.

John McGuire was tagged and supervised for his actions, which he claimed were sparked by an earlier confrontation which saw his victim knock his tooth out.

McGuire assaulted the woman outside his home in the Jackson Court tower block on September 14 last year.

The 34-year-old entered a guilty plea and during his sentencing at Airdrie Sheriff Court back in March, the procurator fiscal described McGuire’s violent behaviour on the day of the offence: “At 7pm, a resident on the 12th floor contacted the concierge to report an altercation between a male and female and requested the police.

“They then saw the woman and accused at the main entrance.

“The accused slapped the complainer to the face twice and placed his hands on her throat on two occasions.

“Police attended and saw three black and blue finger marks to the side of the complainer’s neck, which she said was caused by the accused.

“He was cautioned and charged and made no reply.”

Mitigating on his client’s behalf at the time, McGuire’s defence solicitor said: “He was remonstrating with his partner about her use of valium. He was struck by her and lost his front tooth.

“This certainly doesn’t excuse what happened thereafter. He lost his temper and was frustrated and angered by her drug issues and losing his tooth.

“He was also drinking alcohol. His judgement was clouded. He is ashamed by his conduct.”

McGuire was then sentenced to 12 months’ supervision and a four-month restriction of liberty order – reduced from five months due to his plea – that would see him confined to his home between the hours of 7pm and 7am every day.

However, McGuire was back in the dock last week after owning up to breaching his order.

Defence lawyer Rowan Myles requested his client be given another chance to prove he could complete the punishment.

Sheriff Derek O’Carroll then decided to revoke McGuire’s original order and impose a new restriction of liberty order for a period of four months, which again will apply from 7pm to 7am daily.