A former police officer convicted of attacking his ex-wife and a child has been ordered to perform unpaid work.
David Lyall was previously found guilty of carrying out the assaults on two occasions in 2017 and last year.
The 53-year-old said at his trial that the accusations were false, and this is a position he continues to maintain.
Sheriff Alastair Brown found Lyall, of Hazel Drive, Dundee, guilty of breaking his ex-wife’s elbow after pushing her into a door frame on an occasion between February 1 and 28 2017 on Constitution Crescent.
When under questioning about the incident, Lyall said: “That never happened. It’s a total fabrication.”
Lyall, who is now retired from the police force, was also convicted of pursuing a child on September 12 last year at an address in Dundee before placing his arms around the child’s neck, compressing it and restricting their breathing.
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Lyall returned to the dock of Dundee Sheriff Court for sentencing following the preparation of social work reports.
Defence solicitor Kevin Hampton told the court: “He accepts the decision your lordship made and he will comply with whatever comes next.
“There are robust community-based disposals available.
“He is anxious to put this matter behind him and move forward,” added Mr Hampton.
When passing sentence on Lyall, Sheriff Brown told the former police officer: “I was conscious when I convicted you that the effect the conviction would have on your life would be profound.
“I have no doubt it has been and will continue to be.
“This is a serious conviction but I do not consider that prison is the only disposal.”
Lyall was ordered to perform 300 hours of unpaid work.
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