Man jailed for rape bid and hitting ex-partner
A FORMER serviceman who attempted to rape a woman just months before he battered a heavily pregnant ex-girlfriend has been jailed for five-and-a-half years.
Alcoholic James Marshall hoped to be reconciled with the 36-year-old woman when he assaulted her at his flat in Glasgow in October last year.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard how the woman was 24 weeks pregnant when Marshall pushed her onto his bed before slamming her against a wall.
The man, who had previously served with the Royal Navy, then started shouting and swearing at the victim during the attack.
But just days before last Christmas, Marshall, 42, spent two days during which he assaulted and attempted to rape a woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
The story emerged after a jury returned guilty verdicts yesterday to assault and attempted rape charges.
During the four-day trial, the court heard the 56-yearold woman recall how Marshall sexually assaulted and hit her on December 21 and 22.
She told prosecution lawyer Lisa Gillespie she had gone to Marshall’s flat with the intention of spending Christmas with him.
But she realised he had been drinking.
She said: “When I first saw him he looked okay but once I got into the flat I realised he was drunk.”
The court heard the woman say she had gone to bed and Marshall came into the bedroom. She said he was drunk and switched on the TV.
Lord Bracadale said he had no other option but to send Marshall to prison.