A prolific domestic abuser has been jailed for a “repulsive” offence against his partner.
Joseph Innis kicked the woman in the head after “ranting and raving” at her in a drunken late night row in September.
The 38-year-old’s lawyer said a festive season spent behind bars had given Innis time to sober up and reflect on his behaviour, but Sheriff Gregor Murray noted that the latest convictions were the accused’s fifth and sixth domestic offences and told him there was no alternative to a jail term.
Depute fiscal Jim Eodonable told the court that in the incident Innis, of Bridge Street, Montrose, had been drinking with the woman at home and everything was peaceful when she went to bed.
“Before midnight he came through ranting and raving about contacts the complainer had on her phone,” the court heard.
The woman packed a bag and managed to leave, but Innis followed her and accused her of taking alcohol from the house in her backpack.
He then grabbed her hair and carried on the assault by kicking her in the head.
The court was told a second offence resulted after the accused formed the opinion that his partner was associating with people he didn’t approve of.
“She tried to be reassuring but he was having none of it,” added the fiscal.
Innis shouted and swore at his partner before then slapping her and holding her down on a bed.
Defence agent Lynne Sturrock said: “He knows there is no excuse for his behaviour but he has asked me to publicly apologise to the complainer and to the court.
“He doesn’t wish to use his alcohol difficulties as an excuse, but as an explanation.”
She said the turbulent relationship is now over.
“He has been remanded since November 23 and is now in a different place having had seven weeks to sober up and think about things.”
Sheriff Murray told Innis: “There are always causes which underlie domestic violence and in your case the cause is alcohol abuse.
“You have a significant number of domestically aggravated offences and the September one was particularly repulsive and serious.
“The (social work) report does not make good reading in fact it makes appalling reading.
“You cannot be trusted on any form of bail and the only appropriate sentence here is imprisonment,” said the sheriff.
He jailed Innis for six months.