Man denies trashing flat and punching and kicking ex

A Perth man has denied attacking his ex-partner and then trashing a flat in the Letham area of the city.

Thirty-seven-year-old James McColl, who is due to face trial before a jury on February 15, failed to appear to answer the indictment at Perth Sheriff Court.

Lawyer Pauline Cullerton said he suffers from COPD and was at present shielding during the current coronavirus pandemic.

“I don’t anticipate he will be available for trial on that date,”she explained . The accused, c/o Melville, Cromlix Road, has denied that on June 9, 2019, at a house in Firbank Road, he assaulted the woman by seizing her by the throat, biting her on the head, repeatedly kicking her on the body and punching her on the head, to her injury.

A second charge alleges that he shouted and swore at his ex-partner and threatened her with violence.

It is further claimed that McColl wilfully or recklessly smashed two TV sets, two mirrors, a bedside table and various ornaments, as well as a wall and a door.

The final charge states that he assaulted PC Neil Hunter in Dunsinane Drive the same day by butting him to the head.

Sheriff William Wood asked that an update on the accused’s condition be obtained from his GP.

If he was unable to attend for trial, a ‘soul and conscience’certificate would be required from his doctor.

A further re-trial hearing was scheduled for February 11.