Ex left with 12cm graze after assault

Sep 7 2011 by Stephen Robertson, Stirling Observer Wednesday

A WOMAN who hit her former partner on the back with a piece of wood, leaving him with a 12cm-long graze, has been fined £300.

Stirling Sheriff Court heard how Jacqueline Tough (22) effectively “lost the head” during the incident at her address in King Street, Fallin, on May 30 this year.

Fiscal depute Catherine Knowles told the court that the couple had been in a relationship for around 15 months but that this had apparently ended in January of this year, though they had continued to live together.

Mrs Knowles added: “However, it was the accused’s belief that the relationship only ended on May 29.”

The assault itself took place when the man returned to the house on May 30 to pick up some of his belongings. An argument soon developed, however, and this escalated as he went upstairs.

The fiscal depute said: “The argument continued and the accused then removed a piece of wood from the door frame before striking the complainer to his back.”

Police who arrived later noted that Tough’s ex had a 12cm graze to his back.

Tough, said to have co-operated with police, told officers “I’ve done him some damage”.

On being interviewed, she also told police “I just lost the head at him”.

Stirling Sheriff Court heard last Wednesday that Tough pleaded guilty to the assault at the earliest opportunity.

Solicitor Stan Quirk said that it was his client’s view that the relationship had not actually ended in January.

Mr Quirk added: “Indication that the relationship was over was news to my client.

“Her position is that she was told by the complainer on May 30 that they had not been together in the relationship since January and he had needed a roof over his head. This led to some upset.”

Mr Quirk said, however, that Tough accepted that she had carried out the assault and was “very sorry” for what she had done.

He added: “She said that if she could turn back the clock, she would.”

Sentencing, Sheriff Wyllie Robertson told Tough: “You clearly visited some damage on your former partner by the length of the graze.”

Sheriff Robertson said that he was prepared to deal with the matter by way of a fine, one of £300 then being imposed.