‘ Coward’ abuser gets four years

He carried out two more assaults on January 27 and 28 by punching a woman on the head and again behaved in a threatening manner towards her, including damaging household items.

Solicitor Marisa Borland told Ayr Sheriff Court: “Mr Ilie was found guilty after trial.

“His position remains one of denial. He maintains he is not guilty of these offences.”

Sheriff John Montgomery asked: “He maintains his innocence?” Ms Borland replied: “Yes.

“In terms of his personal circumstances, he is 45 and has two children in Romania and these children are cared for by his mother, albeit she is not well.

“He has been in the UK since 2012 and advises me he has a fiveyear residency dated to 2019.

“Prior to being remanded in custody he was working at a car wash. He has a good work ethic.

“He has been assessed as a risk of further domestic offending but, due to his continual denial, he is not suitable for the Caledonian Project.”

Ms Borland suggested there could be other alternatives to a prison sentence.

She said: “Mr Ilie has not to date had a period of supervision in respect of his offending. His cases have only been dealt with by way of unpaid work.

“Mr Ilie has been advised that you might take the view that only a custodial sentence is appropriate.

“But I should highlight that he would be willing to comply with any community based disposal, including unpaid work, of which there are 300 hours available, and a supervision element to address the nature of the offending.

“There is no difficulty imposing a conduct requirement or nonharassment order and it’s my submission, not withstanding the record, there are other alternatives that have not to date been offered to Mr Ilie.”

Sheriff Montgomery told Ilie: “You were convicted by a jury of very grave charges, in particular four assaults, the first on one complainer and the three other assaults on another.

“These assaults were cruel. You are a coward. Your attitude towards women is vile.

“There can be no alternative to a custodial sentence.”

The sheriff ordered “take him down” as Ilie was led away in handcuffs.

Ilie was jailed for a total of 54 months.

Your attitude towards women is vile. There can be no alternative to a custodial sentence.