Community order after couple’s celebration ends in violence

A romantic break at a holiday park ended in violence after a couple started arguing when they were in a hot tub.

Douglas Clark, 25, of Dunecht Court, Glenrothes, appeared for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court after admitting that on July 1 at a lodge in Yellowscott Country Park Chalets, Kelty, he assaulted his partner.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said that the couple were celebrating moving in together at the time of the incident, with an argument breaking out after several hours of drinking.

“He went to the lodge and she followed him.

“He threw her to the floor and she got back up.

“He then grabbed her by the throat, pushed her and she fell backwards hitting her head on the floor.

“The accused then went to the bedroom and started throwing empty cider cans about.

“She tried to placate him but he grabbed her by the neck and pinned her to the bed with one hand.

“She managed to break free and phoned the police.

“The call operator could hear a male shouting and swearing in the background.

“When the accused realised the police had been called he took hold of her and was straddled over her as he pinned her to the bed by the throat.

“She hit her head on the headboard.”

Sheriff Charles MacNair said: “This was an appalling incident involving sustained and significant violence towards your partner.”

Sentencing Clark, he imposed a community payback order with 200 hours of unpaid work and a two-year period of supervision.