Sheriff warns bully he faces jail

A bully choked his girlfriend then tried to stop her fleeing from his flat.

James Kerr, 41, pinned Amanda McIntyre to a wall with both hands around her neck during a row over cash.

He pulled her back when she tried to run off and was only saved when a neighbour heard her scream.

The brute was convicted of attacking her after a trial at Paisley Sheriff Court.

Kerr claimed he grabbed her after she refused to quieten down.

He said: “I got backdated money from the DSS and she was demanding half of it.

“She wanted me to buy heroin.

“She was shouting and bawling in my hallway.

“If I was choking her that hard how come she’s not even got a mark on her?

“I told her to get out I can’t remember how many times. “She had a chance to leave.” Kerr grabbed his partner during a rammy in Paisley’s Johnston Street.

She tried to wriggle free but he pulled her towards him.

Her cries for help alerted a neighbour who rushed towards the flat.

He froze after he spotted the thug grabbing the pair.

Kerr had brought a pal back who was kipping on the couch and was woken by the spat on April 13.

James Simmons, 48, told how he saw Ms McIntyre run into the hall being chased by her partner.

Police rushed to the flat but were treated to a barrage of abuse.

Sheriff Tom McCartney warned he could be locked up for the assault.

He said: “I have considered all the evidence and submissions.

“I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that you committed these offences. “The verdict is guilty. “I’m of the view I should get further information before deciding how this should be dealt with.

“Your record is such, it makes a prison sentence a consideration.”

Kerr has been ordered to return for sentencing on November 20.