Knife thug ordered to stay away from his ex
A thug who held a knife to his ex-girlfriend’s throat in a terrifying attack has been handed a Non-Harassment Order.
Christopher Duncan, 32, 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.”
The brute lost 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 against her throat and made threats of violence during the rampage.
The court heard Ms Tannahill 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.
Procurator Fiscal Depute Maureen McGovern said: “The relationship is over.
“She advises she wishes to seek the protection of a Non-Harassment Order preventing the accused from contacting her directly or indirectly.
“And also barring him from posting comments about her on social media.”
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.
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.
Duncan was handed a Community Payback Order comprising 15 months supervision.
He was also ordered to perform 180 hours of unpaid work and attend sessions with the Preventing Abuse In Relationships programme.
Defence agent Charlie McCusker said his client would be willing to comply with the NHO.
However, he added Duncan wished to keep contact with their son, by arranging visits via a family member.
He said: “They were in a relationship for 11 years. They have a son together. My client has no contact with the complainer so the NHO is not an issue at all for him.
“The relationship is over, finished. For his son he gets access every week through a family member so no contact with the complainer would not be a problem.”
Sheriff Lindsey Kooner agreed to the complainer’s request and handed Duncan, now living in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, a 12-month court order barring all contact with Ms Tannahill.
She said: “As far as the sentence imposed on you goes, you appear to adhering to the terms of the Community Payback Order.
“I will grant the NHO in respect of Kerry Tannahill for 12 months. Do not breach the order.”