Highland man who abused partner told he was 'very close to going to jail'

A 25-YEAR-OLD Highland man carried out a campaign of abuse against his partner over a six-week period.

Inverness Sheriff Court was told by Ryan Grant’s solicitor Laura-Jane McFarlane that her client’s relationship was “a toxic one”.

Grant, of Balloan Road, Inverness, admitted engaging in a course of domestic abuse in January and February, with several incidents involved.

Fiscal depute Niall Macdonald said that on January 1, the couple had been socialising and Grant’s partner had spoken to another man.

Sheriff Gary Aitken heard that Grant then insulted the woman before seizing her around the neck and squeezing it.

“It caused her momentary difficulty in breathing. She slept in a car outside,” Mr Macdonald added.

After a reconciliation, on January 21, Grant lost his temper at her receiving a message from another man, accused her of being a cheat and seized her mobile phone.

Four days later, Grant failed to meet up with his partner but turned up later. He then pushed her on the chest before she got in her car. “He jumped up and down on it [the car], causing dents.” Mr Macdonald said.

On February 3, the woman wanted to collect earrings from Grant’s flat and he again hit out at her car. Then on February 12, an abusive phone call to her ended the relationship and the police were called.

Sentencing Grant to 200 hours of unpaid work, Sheriff Aitken told him: “This offence is a significant course of abusive conduct and you are very close to going to jail today. But I will give you an opportunity to work on your issues.”

The sheriff also ordered Grant to take part in an intensive rehabilitation programme for domestic abusers, remain under social work supervision for two years and to stay away from the woman for the same period.