Brute jailed for over two years

A brute who terrorised his former partner at her home in Larkhall has been jailed for two years and three months.

Steven Johnstone throttled Kelly Mcfarlane to the extent that she struggled to breathe.

Johnstone, 24, of Union Street, Stonehouse, was sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court last week.

He admitted assaulting Ms Mcfarlane, threatening or abusive behaviour and police assault.

The incident happened in Glen Avenue, Larkhall, on November 6.

Mairi-clare Mcmillan, prosecuting, said the couple had been in an onoff relationship, but were not together at the time.

They appeared to be on good terms and she had visited him in hospital following a stabbing.

But Johnstone turned up at her home, very drunk and muttering about the attack.

He then vented his anger on Ms Mcfarlane and threatened to kill her.

Ms Mcmillan told the court: “She was terrified and feared for her life.

“She pleaded with him, noticing he was foaming at the mouth and red in the face.

“He grabbed her, headbutted her, punched her and tried to bite her ear before throwing her to the floor.”

The prosecutor added: “Ms Mcfarlane dialled 999, but Johnstone grabbed her by the throat and pinned her against a worktop.

“She was struggling to breathe at this point, but managed to break free.”

At least five police officers arrived and Johnstone hurled abuse at them, threatening to “bite your noses off ”.

As he was being carried outside, he bit one officer on the thigh and wouldn’t let go until he was taken to the ground.

The officer required hospital treatment while Ms Mcfarlane suffered swelling and bruising. She had difficulty moving her wrist.

Johnstone also admitted punching and biting Daniel Johnstone and possessing cannabis at his home last July.

Defence agent Andy Iles said Johnstone has been in custody since November and it’s been a “salutary” experience.

However, it’s kept him off the substances that had led to his offending .

Mr Iles added: “He had an extremely difficult childhood and given these circumstances his behaviour is, perhaps, not surprising.”

Sheriff Thomas Millar told Johnstone that when he completes his prison sentence he will be supervised closely for a year.

The sheriff also imposed a three-year non-harassment order designed to protect Ms Mcfarlane.

A Hamilton business has been nominated for a national award by one of their own customers.

Based on Cadzow Street, Prana Yoga is up for best yoga studio in Scotland in the Holistic Scotland Magazine Awards.

The awards aim to recognise and celebrate excellence in holistic health and wellbeing among people nowadays as they look to improve our mental and physical health.