Alness domestic abuse offender 'on the knife edge' of a jail sentence
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An Easter Ross man with several convictions for stalking ex-partners and domestic abuse was told he is "on the knife-edge" of a prison sentence.
Sheriff David Harvie told Lee Blackburn of Kirkside, Alness that his offending record was "quite extraordinary" after the 47-year-old admitted another domestic offence against his current partner.
He behaved in a threatening or abusive manner, acted aggressively, uttered offensive remarks towards her and struck a front door at a house in Glendoe Terrace, Inverness on November 11, 2023.
The sheriff decided against hearing the full facts after an appeal from defence solicitor Graham Mann who told Inverness Sheriff Court: "His partner, who is expecting his child, is supportive of him. She is aware of his past record. A background report may help here.
"He has an unenviable record, especially for domestic offences but there is a background to this.
"There was a dynamic going on in the house at the time and there was disquiet over it. It became protracted and that was why the police became involved."
Sheriff Harvie reluctantly agreed to call for a report and Blackburn will return on April 4.
The sheriff indicated that a jail sentence may still be imposed because of Blackburn's record, adding: "The decision is on a knife-edge."
