Sick thug held a knife to ex-partner’s throat

A yob who held a knife to his ex- girlfriend’s throat in a terrifying attack, has avoided a jail sentence.

Christopher Duncan, 30, subjected Kerry Tannahill to a nightmare ordeal in the presence of a young child.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard that Duncan, a production operator, assaulted his former partner during a domestic horror which left her “in fear for her life.”

He appeared in the dock for sentencing after he admitted losing the plot during the incident which took place on June 23 last year at a property in Bishopton.

Duncan rained blows on her head, threw water over her, repeatedly held a knife up against her throat, and made threats of violence during the rampage.

Fiscal depute Claire Rowan told the court the complainer has continued to live in fear and wanted to see Duncan subjected to a Non Harassment Order (NHO), preventing him from contacting or approaching her.

She said: “She considers the relationship definitely to be over and there is not any possibility of a reconciliation. She advises she wishes special conditions banning contact with her to remain in place and that separately a Non Harassment Order will be made post conviction and sentence.”

Duncan pleaded guilty to assaulting Ms Tannahill by striking her on the head with his hand, pulling her hair, throwing water at her, taking hold of a knife and repeatedly holding it against her neck, while making threats of violence at Lyle Crescent, Bishopton, on June 23 last year.

He also admitted a second charge breaching special conditions of bail by approaching or contacting her at Braehead Tavern, Inchinnan, Lyle Crescent, Bishopton, and the Bishopton Inn, on July 28.

Defence agent Terry Gallanagh said Duncan fully accepted the relationship was finished.

He said: “He is aware it is a very serious offence. He has a very limited record of prior convictions.

“He resides with his mother and is well aware the relationship is over.

“He understands there is no prospect of a reconciliation.”

The lawyer urged the court hand Duncan a community based disposal with supervision and unpaid work, as he would be willing to comply with punishment orders and any programmes addressing domestic violence.

Sheriff Lyndsey Kooner voiced concern at Duncan, now living at Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, but said she would stop short from handing him a full NHO.

She said: “I am going to impose a Community Payback Order comprising 15 months supervision.

“I will also order you to perform 180 hours of unpaid work, reduced from 200 because you pleaded guilty.

“I will defer sentence for continued consideration of the NHO for six months. You will also participate in the ( Preventing Abuse In Relationships) PAIR programme.”

Duncan will appear for a review of his behaviour in August.