Court told of domestic abuser’s progress

A serial domestic abuser, spared jail for attacking his wife after a drinking binge, was given a “positive report” when he appeared for a community payback order review at Perth Sheriff Court.

The court was told that 28-year-old Garry Nicholson had completed the 200 hours of unpaid work imposed by Sheriff Gillian Wade as a direct alternative to time behind bars.

Nicholson, of Hermitage Drive, Perth, had also been ordered to be supervised by a social worker for 18 months to address a drug difficulty.

He had admitted assaulting his wife at a house in the city’s Rannoch Road on March 29 last year and also acting aggressively towards her.

The court heard that Nicholson, said to have “an urge” to take cocaine after he has been drinking, shouted and swore at his wife when she refused to give him a bank card.

And when she tried to grab her phone to contact the police, he punched her on the throat.

He then legged it from the property but was later traced by police and arrested.

Solicitor Pauline Cullerton told the court at that time he and his wife normally enjoyed a good relationship but she added: “He does have problems with alcohol and drugs.”

At the latest court hearing, Nicholson was said to still be seeking “guidance” from the social work department.

Sheriff Wade said in view of the satisfactory progress report, she would allow the order to continue to its conclusion without any further reviews.

The sheriff had previously described the offence involving his wife as “particularly nasty.”

She also noted that Nicholson has a previous conviction for a domestic incident involving the same complainer.