Fife man admits assaulting his partner while she was pregnant
and live on Freeview channel 276
Scott Ness, of Rolland Avenue, East Wemyss, appeared before Sheriff James Williamson at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.
Ness, 24, admitted that on May 13, 2020 at an address in Factory Road, Buckhaven he assaulted his partner then 22 weeks pregnant and pushed her on the body causing her to fall into a baby gate and then he repeatedly punched her on the body when she was on the floor to her injury.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe Procurator Fiscal Depute told the court: “The complainer was 22 weeks pregnant with the accused’s child. The accused and his partner normally live separately but were living together due to the pandemic.
"On the date in question an argument broke out between them. She had put his shoes outside and they stood at the front door and continued to argue. The accused pushed the complainer to the body causing her to fall into the baby gate and she fell to the ground.
"She was curled up in a ball to protect her baby and he started punching her near her thigh. Neighbours heard her shouting and screaming. They attended at the door and saw her lying on the ground with the baby gate on top of her and she was crying.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"The complainer had red marks on her face, a mark on her neck and grazes on both of her legs. The accused was arrested.”
His defence lawyer said this was a serious incident and that the couple had had arguments before but had never reached this stage. He said: “He is very remorseful. The stress of life had got out of hand and he behaved in this inappropriate fashion.
"She is now unsure what she wants from the relationship and they have not been in contact. The child was born in September 2020. He would like to see his child but is not going to press the complainer for contact because he is aware of what he has done."
Sheriff Williamson placed Ness under supervision on an 18-month Community Payback Order and ordered him to carry out 210 hours unpaid work in 12 months. He also imposed a 12-month non-harassment order not to contact his partner.