Child ran barefoot to raise alarm of attack

a sheriff has jailed an abusive partner for a ‘ nasty assault in front of children.’ paul thomson of James Brown avenue in ayr was sentenced to 20 weeks behind bars for repeatedly punching his ex- partner in front of an 11- year- old child. the 35- year- old lunged at his former partner of 17 years on March 28 this year and seized her by the throat, pinned her on the sofa and repeatedly punched her on the head. ayr sheriff Court heard the couple have three children together, under the age of 16. depute Fiscal, Jason Bell, told the court that an 11- year- old child ran barefoot ‘ from the home in a state of panic’ towards a neighbours house to ask for help. the neighbour didn’t intervene but contacted police who attended immediately and found thomson‘ sweating profusely and agitated.’ pictures of the woman’s injuries were taken showing she had bruising and swelling, and scratches to her neck. solicitor glenn davis said: “Mr thomson recognises he’s on the cusp of a prison sentence today.” appearing at ayr sheriff Court on Wednesday, april 25, sheriff Mhari Mactaggart told thomson a previous order she had given him ‘ was in place of a custody sentence.’ she said: “this was a nasty assault on your former partner in front of children. “You will not get another opportunity from me.” thomson pled guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by repeatedly acting in an aggressive manner and shouting and swearing. He also pled guilty to seizing his ex- partner by the throat, pinning her on the sofa and repeatedly punching her on the head, all to her injury. the sheriff sentenced the brute to 20 weeks’ imprisonment.