Domestic abuser avoids prison

A Moodiesburn thug has avoided jail despite a brutal assault on a woman.

A Sheriff last month found Martin Naylor, 31, guilty of attacking his victim at a property in Cumbernauld in February.

The violent yob seized the terrified woman and pushed her, causing her to collide with a wall.

He then struggled violently with her and caused her to fall to the ground, resulting in an injury to the woman.

Naylor was found guilty of the violent attack last month and when he appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court for sentencing, he was tagged and ordered to remain in his Bridgeburn Drive home between 7am and 7pm for a period of six months.

He was also placed under supervision for two years and handed a non-harrassment order preventing him from approaching his victim.

Drug treatment

A Coatbridge man who seized another male and threatened him with violence may be given the chance to undergo a second drug treatment programme.

Edward Higgins, 50, of Redbridge Court, left his victim in a state of fear and alarm on Coatbridge Main Street last July.

He appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court last week and will return at the start of next month.

His defence solicitor Paul Belardo said: “The report says he might be suitable for a drug testing and treatment programme.

“He completed one previously but there was a regression.”

Sheriff Pattison said: “I’ll have a full assessment carried out and defer for that purpose. “Your bail is continued.”

Foolish driver

A Coatbridge man who chanced giving his mate a lift home after a couple of drinks was caught in the act.

James Jackson, 27, was marginally over the limit on June 11.

The Kirk Street resident chose to drive his friend to his door as he expected “quiet roads” during the night.

However, Jackson was stopped by police due to his “manner of driving”, leading to a breathalyser test showing he had 34mg of alcohol in an 100ml sample of his breath.

His defence solicitor John McGeechan said: “This is quite a low reading, the first I’ve seen in this court between 22 and 35mg.

Sheriff Pattison interrupted: “It happens a lot, let me tell you, all it takes is a couple of drinks the night before.”

Mr McGeechan continued: “He shouldn’t have given his friend a run home. “It wasn’t a great distance, he expected the roads to be quiet but he was stopped in the end.”

Sheriff Pattison indicated he was aiming to apply a restriction of liberty order depending on Jackson’s employment situation.

After clarifying Jackson needs to leave for work at 6am, Sheriff Pattison continued: “I was considering custody for this because you have a previous conviction.

“I’ve held back from that because you need to provide for your family.

“Do not think that this is an indicator that you can do whatever you like.

“One more offence like this and you will be jailed.

“You’ll be under supervision for 18 months and must do 250 hours of unpaid work in the next 12 months.

“Your restriction of liberty will last for three months and you must remain in your home between the hours of 7pm and 6am.

“You’ll also be disqualified from driving for three years.”

Ignored orders

A Coatbridge man who prioritised paid work over his unpaid court order has had more hours added on to his sentence.

Alexander McMullan, 38, was given unpaid work in February because of aggressive actions towards his partner at the town’s Albion Court the previous month.

But his subsequent focus was placed elsewhere, leading to the neglect of the court’s instructions.

His defence solicitor Darran Khorasani said: “He’s done 53 hours of the order out of 130.

“He’s had the opportunity of employment as a painter and decorator but shouldn’t be prioritising that.

“I’d invite you to allow him to complete the hours and comply wi t h supervision.”

Sheriff Pattison told McMullan: “Breach this again and you’ll be in custody. l’l make a new order consisting of supervision for 18 months.

“You must complete the outstanding hours in the next six months, plus another 40 because of the breach.”

The violent yob seized the terrified woman and pushed her, causing her to collide with a wall