Jail warning for Forfar offender

A domestic abuser convicted of assaulting his former partner has been warned his offending has put him on the brink of being jailed after being criticised by a sheriff for his lack of remorse.

Liam Taylor, who had previously been found guilty of attacking the woman at a house in Forfar’s East High Street in May, while on bail, appeared for sentence at Forfar Sheriff Court following the preparation of social work reports.

The 23-year-old’s solicitor, Nick Markowski, said his client had a history of difficulties and had been diagnosed with ADHD and Asperger’s syndrome, but there had been positive engagement with the criminal justice service in the compiling of the reports.

“The offence was committed when he and his girlfriend were separating, at a time of high emotion.

“That has now passed and there are no outstanding matters for Mr Taylor,” he added.

Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown told Taylor, of Lilybank Crescent in Forfar: “I note you have taken no responsibility and have shown little remorse.

“It is concerning that you have been found guilty following another domestic offence in March 2017.”

Sheriff Martin-Brown imposed a one-year community payback order on Taylor, including supervision and 120 hours of unpaid work.

“I should highlight to you that you are coming close to a custodial sentence,” she said.