Thug breaks partner’s nose

But relationship is‘blossoming’

A man who left his partner requiring hospital treatment after a vicious assault in a Stirling hotel told a court his relationship is“blossoming” before being admonished.

David McKay (41) attacked the woman by punching her on the head and kicking and pushing her on the body during a blazing row at Hotel Colessio on Spittal Street.

The woman was left with a broken nose, a bruised head and back and a cut ear after the alarming ordeal on October 24 last year.

However, when McKay, of Nelfred Terrace, Inverurie, appeared at Stirling Sheriff Court on Wednesday morning he was allowed to walk free due to the fact he has been of good behaviour ever since.

Fiscal depute Adrian Fraser explained that McKay and his girlfriend, who have been in a relationship for 15 years, booked themselves into the hotel in a bid to work on their relationship and iron out some issues.

He said: “At around 10pm the accused and complainer were drinking in the hotel bar and an argument started. At this point the complainer went to bed while the accused went out to a nearby licensed premises.”

The court heard that, having consumed more alcohol, McKay returned to the hotel in the early hours of the morning. At this point another argument broke out and witnesses in an adjacent room reported hearing items being thrown, a woman shouting and a number of loud bangs.

Mr Fraser added: “Witnesses went to the room and the door was knocked. The accused appeared and seemed to be upset and crying. The complainer appeared to be aggressive while the accused packed up his property.”

The victim was at this point taken to hospital and found to have a nasal fracture, bruising to her scalp and back and a cut to her ear.

McKay was detained by police and interviewed. He told officers that the complainer was his girlfriend and that she didn’t trust him as he had been away working in China.

He said that she had been “nipping” him and that he told her to be quiet, and that she had become angry upon his return and attacked him.

Mr Fraser said: “He said that he was so embarrassed and that if he hadn’t let her get so drunk this wouldn’t have happened.”

McKay, defending himself in the dock, told the court: “We are still in a relationship and we plan to get married. I am deeply sorry about this – it was an isolated case, a sorry saga.

“I have recently had a promotion at work. My career is blossoming and I believe the relationship is continuing to blossom. I am sorry to trouble the court with this.”

The court heard how McKay had not been back in trouble since the offence took place and a report, which was favourable in nature, had been compiled by social work staff.

Sheriff William Gilchrist said: “I will admonish you as you have been of good behaviour but this offence will now appear on your record. If there is any repeat the court will not be so lenient.”