Taxi driver drove attacker to police station

A Perth woman was seen“gasping and struggling for breath”after her drunken ex-partner seized her by the neck in the back of a taxi in the early hours of New Year’s morning.

The cabbie took immediate action and drove his car to Perth Police Station where Khai Donnelly was arrested.

The terrifying incident, as well as a separate attack on a man in Perth city centre in the early hours, cost the 24-year-old fines totalling £1080 when he appeared for sentence at Perth Sheriff Court.

Donnelly, of Maxton Place, admitted repeatedly punching James Kerr on the head in King Edward Street on January 1.

He then compressed former partner Joleen Clark’s neck in the taxi in Scott Street later the same morning.

Depute fiscal Carol Whyte said the accused and the female had been in a relationship which ended last October.

They had been out together, however, on New Year’s Eve and had gone to various local pubs.

The assault on Mr Kerr, who had been speaking with the female earlier, took place about midnight.

“The accused walked towards him in King Edward Street and punched him on the head three times,”explained Ms Whyte.

Donnelly and his ex-partner continued drinking together until about 4am but they then argued.

As she tried to get into a taxi, he placed his hands around her neck and she struggled for breath.

Solicitor Pauline Cullerton told the court:“Clearly alcohol was a factor in this incident.

“He doesn’t normally drink as it creates problems for him.”

He was now seeking help from the local drug and alcohol team.

Noting that Donnelly now has three convictions for assault, Sheriff Gillian Wade said she was prepared to impose a“substantial fine”as he was now taking steps to address his alcohol issues.

He will pay the penalties at £50 a month.