Repeat abuser sent to jail

Aviolent domestic abuser struck his partner’s head off a pavement just seconds after being confronted by concerned neighbours.

John Brand’s terrified victim screamed for help after he pushed her against a fence at an address in Brechin in June.

Other residents left their homes to try to protect the woman from Brand.

A court heard how the woman got away, followed by the thug who then attacked her again.

The 29-year-old was later caught with thousands of Class C tablets by police sent to arrest him.

Brand, who was jailed last year for an attack on another partner, is now back behind bars after pleading guilty.

Dundee Sheriff Court was told how residents on Montrose Street became aware of a disturbance between Brand and the woman just after 9pm on the night in question.

“The witness saw the accused grab the complainer by the clothing and push her against a fence,” prosecutor Stewart Duncan said.

“The witness saw the accused swing a punch towards her and started walking to the complainer who was screaming loudly for help.

“Other neighbours reached the fence and heard her screaming ‘get off ’.

“They saw the accused repeatedly punch her on the head and body.”

As the Crown narrative was being read aloud in court, Brand, who appeared via video link from prison, repeatedly interrupted saying: “Wow, really?”.

Mr Duncan added: “The accused approached the witnesses pleading his innocence.

“The complainer hid behind one of the witnesses.

“The complainer walked away and the witnesses watched as the accused walked towards the nearby newsagent.

“Within seconds, they heard loud screams from the roadside.

“They ran in the direction of the screams and the accused was holding the complainer’s head before striking it off the pavement.”

Police eventually caught up with Brand, who ran away from them and hid in a bush in Small’s Square.

He was caught with 4,345 clonazolam tablets which had a maximum potential street value of £2,170.

Officers also seized a mobile phone which showed numerous text exchanges consistent with the sale of drugs.

Repeat offender Brand, a prisoner in HMP Perth, pled guilty to assaulting the woman on June 27 and dealing drugs between June 17 and 27.

Brand’s solicitor, Billy Rennie, said: “Both him and his then-partner were both involved in drugs.

“An argument developed about the use of drugs and the assault was committed.

“Thankfully there was no injuries sustained by the complainer.

“In terms of the other charge, this was a way of having access to a good number and funded his own drug use, rather than having any commercial benefit.”

Sheriff Lorna Drummond sentenced Brand to a total of 33 months in prison.

VIOLENT: John Brand was sentenced to 33 months in jail.