A Mearns man who throttled his long-term girlfriend has been cleared by a sheriff to walk her up the aisle next week.
Forfar Sheriff Court heard Graham Leslie’s relationship with Margaret Price has had its share of booze-related “ups and downs” but the couple are due to tie the knot at the end of next week.
The nuptials were given the go-ahead but only after the 61-year-old was warned “things can’t go on like this.”
Depute fiscal Kirsten Thomson told the court that the couple had been in a relationship for around a decade. On August 1, after they had been drinking together, Leslie went out to buy more alcohol.
“He returned around 3.20pm, an argument ensued and he approached her as she was sitting on a living room chair, grabbed her by the throat with both hands,” said the fiscal.
“She asked him to let her go and shortly afterwards made her way to the bathroom to call police because she was frightened.
“She then went back to the living room to await the arrival of police and the accused then started shouting at her, acting in an aggressive manner.”
Leslie, formerly of Montrose and now Scotston Place, St Cyrus, then went up to bed and when officers arrived he told them that the relationship was “having its ups and downs”, adding: “She kicked off first.”
Defence solicitor Nick Markowski said the accused had a long history of alcohol dependency.
“They plan to get married next Friday. here are massive gaps in his offending – when he is not drinking he is not offending, but they are going to be staying together and that is a massive powderkeg,” added Mr Markowski.
Sheriff Di Emidio told Leslie: “Given your record and previous disposals, the question of imprisonment is at the top of my mind in this matter.
“The social work report suggests a high tariff structured deferred sentence which puts you under a considerable degree of supervisory involvement.
“I think it must be clear to you that things just can’t go on like this.
“On a previous occasion when you were put on this regime it hasn’t worked, but in your own best interests it’s very important that it does work this time,” said the sheriff.
Leslie was given a three-month high tariff deferral.
