Argument over family pet left woman with a punctured lung

auchterarder: Former couple were unable to agree how to care for family pet

An Auchterarder man has admitted shattering his former partner’s ribs and puncturing her lung following an argument over care of the family dog.

Martin Rogalski delivered a single blow to his victim’s midriff, which knocked her from her feet during an attack in October last year.

The 30-year-old had been called to her home in the town after a family pet took ill, only for their meeting to lead to a blazing argument.

Perth Sheriff Court heard the former couple were unable to agree upon the appropriate treatment for the sickly dog, leading Rogalski to punch her on the body.

The woman was left doubled-over and writhing in pain on her bedroom floor.

Her cries for help were heard by her daughter, who was playing outside, and the youngster rushed to her mum’s aid as Rogalski fled the house.

Depute fiscal John Malpass said the victim had initially chosen not to report the attack to the police but had confided in a family member.

They sent a doctor to her home but though they found bruising and tenderness along her rib cage she declined further medical attention.

Two days later, however, she was still suffering from pain and discomfort and had to seek out a GP once more.

Mr Malpass said: “They were concerned that there must be an underlying injury and referred her to Perth Royal Infirmary.

“By this time she was complaining of chest pain and shortness of breath.

“An X-ray revealed a fracture to her ribs, which had led to a small partial collapse of her lung.”

Rogalski, of High Street in Auchterarder, admitted assaulting a woman on October 24 last year by shouting and swearing at her and punching her on the body to her severe injury.

Sheriff William Wood told him that all sentencing options remained open, including restricting his liberty. He said: “This is a serious matter. “You clearly struck with significant force and I will have to take that into account when considering my verdict.”

He deferred sentence until June 7 to enable the court to obtain reports.

You clearly struck with significant force and I will have to take that into account when considering my verdict. SHERIFF WILLIAM WOOD