Sheriff slams Buckfast pair over care of children
Fine imposed for abuse charge but woman cleared of assault
MIKE MCQUAID
A sheriff has slammed an East Kilbride couple after hearing they each downed a bottle of Buckfast while they were supposed to be looking after young children.
Donna Brown, 34, was cleared of assaulting her partner, John Weir, during their drinking session, but fined for threatening or abusive behaviour.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard this week that a child called police after the pair argued at their home in Juniper Avenue on February 8.
Brown went on trial accused of assaulting her partner. Mr Weir, 37, was classed as a vulnerable witness and gave evidence from behind a screen, with a trained supporter alongside him.
He denied that Brown had hit him, claiming he burst his lip when his own hand struck his mouth as he and his partner were pushing each other.
Mr Weir told the court that both were drinking Buckfast wine, but were not drunk.
He added: “We were shouting at each other. It was something out of nothing.”
After Mr Weir’s evidence, the Crown accepted Brown’s plea of not guilty to the assault charge.
She admitted shouting abuse at her partner.
Jennifer Cunningham, prosecuting, said that during the argument Brown ripped up a birth certificate. Police officers found it in pieces on the floor.
The court heard the couple have been together for six years.
Defence agent Andy Thomson said they rely on state benefits.
He pointed out that Brown has been on bail since February and there have been no further incidents.
Mr Thomson added: “Perhaps it would be appropriate to defer sentence to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
But Sheriff Thomas Millar expressed concern that Brown and Mr Weir had each downed a bottle of Buckfast while there were children in the house.
The sheriff said: “The alcohol does not seem to have had much effect on them which is of concern.
“I’ll impose a financial penalty as I see they can afford two bottles of Buckfast at least for the night.”
Brown was fined £270, payable at £10 per fortnight.