An Arbroath thug who attacked his ex-partner and rained down punches on her ribs has been jailed for more than eight months.
Fraser Gunn broke a strict court order when he visited his ex at her home in Auchmithie, violently assaulted her and threatened to “torture” her family.
The 36-year-old, of Grange Place, had been drinking with the woman before he snapped, Forfar Sheriff Court heard.
He was sentenced to 225 days, plus another 20 days for shouting and swearing at the same woman during a separate incident at Pie Bobs in Arbroath’s Grant Road.
Domestic assault
Fiscal depute Bill Kermode told the court Gunn and the woman had been in a relationship for around eight months.
He said the pair were drinking together on the evening of January 27.
“The atmosphere turned rather sour and the accused became aggressive for no apparent reason,” Mr Kermode said.
In the hallway, Gunn seized the woman and told her he intended to torture her family.
The fiscal depute added: “He then punched her several times in the ribs before calming down and returning to the living room.”
Just after 1.30am, the woman was able to phone police, telling them only the address and that she needed help.
Insight
In the dock, Gunn admitted breaching special bail conditions and injuring the woman by repeatedly punching her on the body.
He had already admitted acting in an abusive manner on Grant Street last year.
Solicitor Billy Rennie said: “He is aware his liberty is at risk.
“He has stated that he accepted full responsibility.”
Mr Rennie added: “He did use alcohol in excess.
“He has got insight to his behaviour when he has not been drinking.
“I think there’s a significant difference between the character of Mr Gunn not under the influence of alcohol and the character when he’s under the influence.”
Caged
Sheriff Krista Johnston jailed Gunn for just over eight months, backdated to February 28 when he was first remanded.
She told him: “You have an appalling record.
“Your attitude and behaviour towards women is appalling.
“I’ve taken into account what your solicitor has said, however I also have to take into account these offences.
“You’ve had opportunities to undertake community-based disposals.
“I don’t find there to be any alternative available to a custodial sentence.”
The sheriff also imposed a non-harassment order to protect Gunn’s victim for 18 months.
Catalogue of offending
In 2014, Gunn was jailed for three years after robbing a controversial legal high shop in Arbroath knife-point.
The court heard he had become hooked on psychoactive substances while attempting to wean himself off alcohol.
Gunn stormed into the shop and demanded items while threatening staff with a knife.
He returned the next day, without the blade, and asked for the same.
The shopkeeper fended him off using a skateboard.
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