A Methil man who attacked his partner in a primary school playground has walked free from court after a sheriff said jailing him would interfere with his counselling sessions.
David McFarlane subjected his girlfriend, Sarah Logan, to a sustained attack, and dragged her round after getting drunk at a friend’s barbecue.
Perth Sheriff Court heard how Ms Logan had to wait for McFarlane to fall asleep for the attack to end before she could flee to their friend’s home.
Sheriff Lindsay Foulis said: “This is a very serious offence. It strikes me that this was a sustained assault on your partner.
“Ultimately, it had you holding her by the neck. I have decided with some considerable hesitation not to impose a custodial sentence.
“If I was to impose custody, the counselling, which you have under-taken yourself, would be interrupted and maybe to such an extent that it would effectively have to be started again.”
McFarlane was ordered to carry out 300 hours unpaid work as part of a Community Payback Order.
McFarlane, 28, Toll Avenue, Methil, admitted assaulting Ms Logan at St Madoes Primary School and Pitfour Castle on May 24.
He admitted repeatedly grabbing her clothing, taking hold and dragging her, pushing her to the ground, pulling her by the arms and holding her by the neck to her injury.
Depute fiscal John Malpass told the court the couple had been at a barbecue when McFarlane followed his partner home and attacked her in the school playground as she walked their dog.
When they were in the house, McFarlane continued the assault and dragged her into the bedroom before applying pressure to her neck. He then fell asleep and Ms Logan fled.
She had injuries to her chest, arms and throat.