A former commando who caused a friction burn to his wife’s back in a row over her drinking has been fined £300.
Roger Campbell, of Ernest Street, Arbroath, appeared before Sheriff Gregor Murray at Forfar, where he pleaded guilty to assaulting Valerie Campbell at a house in the town’s Sidney Street on April 7 by seizing her by the body and dragging her along the floor.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond said the complainer and the accused had been married for 12 years and on the day of the offence she had been in several town pubs.
Around 3pm Campbell left work and met his wife in the Abbey Bar and was in a “bad mood” because of her level of intoxication, the court was told.
They had a disagreement and she returned home, with the accused following shortly after.
“She was in her bed crying, they began arguing and things escalated,” said Ms Drummond.
“The complainer is unsure of exactly how events unfolded but remembers being dragged along the corridor.”
She sustained a five inch by five inch friction burn on her lower back, but did not require medical treatment.
The victim left the house after the assault and walked to Arbroath Police Office to report the matter.
When questioned by police about the attack, Campbell told officers: “I’m trying to defend my own house and she’s trashing the place.”
Defence solicitor Billy Rennie said his client was a Royal Marine for more than 20 years and now works with Angus Council.
He said his wife’s drinking had caused considerable anxiety and frustration, but recognised the behaviour was unacceptable.
“The only other option was for him to phone the police and he didn’t want to do that.”
Sheriff Murray told the accused: “I accept you have not had your problems to seek but you cannot behave in the way you did.
“I have to mark this because you have a previous domestic conviction as well.”