An Angus octogenarian is to face trial just before Christmas on a string of alleged assault charges involving his 76-year-old wife, including one of threatening to kill her.
James Gowans, of Millgate, Arbroath, appeared in the dock before Sheriff Simon Collins at Forfar where he denied five charges relating to a house in Monifieth’s Adderley Terrace on various dates last year and earlier this year.
He is charged with assaulting his wife, Isabella, between July 1 and 31 by repeatedly seizing her body, pushing her into a car and against a wall, to her injury.
He is accused of a further assault on October, and on April 7 this year of grabbing hold of Mrs Gowans’ arm and twisting it, to her injury.
Gowans, 82, has also denied that on April 9 he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner towards her, shouted, swore, threatened to kill her, and assaulted her by grabbing her arms, pushing his fist into her neck and throwing a tray at her which struck her arm, to her injury and permanent disfigurement.
Gowans originally faced an indictment in relation to the alleged offences but the case has been reduced to summary complaint.
He will appear again in court on December 1 and trial has been set for December 23.