Attacker back in jail for assault on partner after early release

A man was given early release from a jail sentence for domestic abuse – only to attack his new partner.

Robert MacPherson, 45, previously from Lochore and more recently living in Kirkcaldy, was put back behind bars for his latest offences.

He was about to go on trial at Dunfermline Sheriff Court before he admitted assaulting his then partner at Harris Drive, Kirkcaldy, on March 24 last year, and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

MacPherson, of West Bridge Mill, Bridge Street, Kirkcaldy, attacked and injured the woman as he held a knife, throwing her to the ground and pinning her against a wall.

Depute fiscal Sarah Lumsden said the assault happened after the victim’s friend woke up and found MacPherson sleeping in a bed next to her when she had stayed over. He was subsequently asked to leave the property.

Depute fiscal Sarah Lumsden said: “He began acting aggressively towards the complainer.”

MacPherson began pushing his partner around and dragged her to the kitchen where he picked up the knife.

Police were called and he tried to run from the house but was arrested.

Defence solicitor Alexander Flett said the three had been drinking the night before and MacPherson “seems to have gone to the wrong bed”.

Sheriff Charles MacNair ordered MacPherson to serve 200 days from his previous jail sentence then another 13 and a half months.

MacPherson was previously jailed for terrorising a former partner for more than a decade, hitting her with a golf club and putting a knife to her throat.