Court / Prison for man who assaulted ex-partner

A MAN has been imprisoned for a “vicious and inexcusable” assault on his ex-partner when he grabbed and punched her in an intoxicated state.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank turned down pleas for an alternative to custody when sentencing Darren Robertson, of Clingrapark, Mid Yell to six months in prison.

Lerwick Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday that Robertson, 51, had rowed with his ex in her house on 8 February around 5.30pm.

Things took a turn for the worse when Robertson lost his temper, and grabbed her by the jacket sleeve. He followed the woman into the living room, where she had gone to get away from him. He then struck her on the forehead with the back of his hand.

She phoned the police who advised her to leave the house and they arrested Robertson at the scene. He had been in custody since and pleaded guilty to the offence on 11 February.

It was his third offence against the woman, and was aggravated by it being an attack on his ex-partner.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said Robertson had a workable relationship with his ex “until he takes a drink”. The fact the pair worked together in a stressful work situation had fuelled the problem, he said.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said that the complainer was “extremely frustrated” by Robertson’s behaviour and “feels responsible towards him”.

But sheriff Ian Cruickshank said Robertson’s actions demonstrated a “medieval attitude” towards relationships and such behaviour was not and never would be acceptable.

“There is no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence,” he said. Robertson’s jail term will be back dated to 11 February.