Christmas Eve domestic assault in Dingwall prompts jail warning from Highland sheriff
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STRESS over the Christmas period led to a Romanian immigrant and his partner having an argument which ended with him kicking her and pulling her to the floor.
But Inverness Sheriff Court heard that 32-year-old first offender Catalin Nister, of Gilbert Court on Craig Road, Dingwall, had been forgiven by his wife who wanted him back.
Sheriff Gary Aitken agreed to allow Nister bail until a background report had been prepared for his consideration on February 15 but sternly warned him: "If there is a repeat, you will go to jail. There is no excuse for resorting to physical violence after an argument."
Kevin Hughes, defence solicitor for Nister, who admitted the Christmas Eve assault, said: "They have been together for five years and plan to remain in this country. Normally they spent Christmas with family in Romania but decided to remain here.
"But stress over the period led to an argument. He does not drink."
The sheriff also called for an assessment for a domestic abuser programme.
