Man loses plot after partner’s all- nighter

His partner ran upstairs and barricaded herself in a bedroom, along with the couple’s four children.

“She could hear him shouting and swearing, and he began to punch the bedroom door, causing large holes,” said Ms Carnochan.

The woman was so terrified that she called the police, and Bryce finally went downstairs.

“Police observed he had numerous cuts to his right hand,” said Ms Carnochan.

When asked how he came by his injuries, Bryce told police: “I’ve been punching a door.”

Defence lawyer Colin Adam said Bryce anticipated a quiet night in with his partner and niece, on Saturday, December 29 last year.

But they disappeared while he slept, and when he woke he telephoned his partner’s mother and his niece’s boyfriend.

“He was frantic with worry,” said Mr Adam. “Then she turned up, under the influence of alcohol, and he didn’t know where she had been.

“He was wanting to speak to her, but his hand got jammed in the door, causing him pain. He ended up in custody for 48 hours.”

Sheriff John Montgomery observed: “I’m very concerned that this was played out in front of four children.”

Mr Adam said: “The incident was relatively short- lived. When police were called, he went downstairs, sat down and calmed down.

“A lot of it was caused by worry, and not simply anger.”

The court heard that Bryce, of Milne Avenue, Auchinleck, is in full time employment. He has been in a relationship with his partner for 14 years, and their four children are aged between 3 and 13.

Sheriff Montgomery imposed a fine of £ 600 on him, payable at £ 40 per week.