A Brechin man who assaulted his partner in front of a nine-month-old child has been jailed.
Aaron Nicol, 30, will spend four and a half months behind bars after admitting assaulting his former girlfriend and engaging a 14-year-old boy in a struggle during a “nasty” domestic incident in June.
Nicol, of Union Street, Brechin, appeared from custody at Forfar Sheriff Court.
He is currently on remand for another matter, the court was told.
The court heard the abuser became enraged after his former partner told him he had to stay at home while she worked for “longer than intended”.
He was angry because he had “made plans” for that Saturday afternoon and also accused the woman of cheating on him.
After assaulting his former partner, spitting on her and struggling with a 14-year-old boy, Nicol fled before police arrived.
Threw woman by neck
Depute fiscal Elizabeth Hodgson said: “The complainer and the accused had been in an ‘on-off’ relationship for around four years.
“The pair had argued about child care arrangements.
“On June 12 at 9am the complainer (told the accused she) had to work later than planned.
“The accused was angered by this as he had made plans for that afternoon.
“At 3pm the complainer returned home.
“A baby was asleep in the living room, as was the accused.
“The accused woke up and was immediately hostile toward the complainer.
“He demanded to know where she had been.
“He shouted abuse at her as she held on to the baby.
“He approached her from behind and grabbed her by the neck.
“He did not choke her but he did throw her.”
Struggle with teenager
The woman managed to dial 999.
Ms Hodgson said: “A male could be heard shouting and a women could be heard in distress.
“The accused slapped the complainer on the back of the head while she held the baby in one arm.
“She passed the phone to the 14-year-old.
“The 14-year-old returned to his room, followed by the complainer.
“The accused approached the 14-year-old and struggled with them. He then exited the room.
“As he did he spat at the complainer.
“The accused then ran out the house and was lost to sight.
“He handed himself in at Brechin police station several days later.”
Sheriff’s hopes for baby
Defence solicitor Brian Bell, in mitigation, said: “The relationship is at an end.
“He has five previous convictions for section 38 offences (threatening and abusive behaviour) and one for assault.
“He has not served a custodial sentence before.”
Sheriff Francis Gill, sentencing him to four and a half months in prison, said: “This was a particularly nasty incident for your former partner and the young boy.
“I hope the baby does not remember it.
“This was completely unacceptable behaviour.
“Custody is reasonable given your record.”
Nicol admitted assault and acting in a threatening and abusive manner at an address in Brechin on June 12 this year.
