A former Angus nightclub boss who held his ex-partner against a scalding radiator in the premises during an after-hours row has been fined £350.
Scott Learmonth’s victim spent six weeks nursing the burns she received after the 27-year-old pinned her against a wall by the throat in The Yard, Montrose, almost three years ago.
Forfar Sheriff Court heard that the offence only came to light two years down the line when police were speaking to the 24-year-old victim in relation to another matter.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond said the incident started from a row between the pair over a set of car keys in the early hours of September 3 2012 at the George Street premises.
Learmonth was the manager there and his ex-girlfriend worked as a cleaner at the premises,
The keys were broken after Learmonth threw them at the woman and when she shouted at him he lost his temper.
“He walked up to her, placed his hand around her throat and pinned her against a wall where a radiator was full on,” added the fiscal.
“She began to scream with pain as the radiator was burning her, and attempted to break free but couldn’t.
“The accused then let her go and told her to get out of his club.”
Although the victim did not go to hospital she applied antiseptic cream to the burns for around six weeks while they healed.
Defence solicitor Nick Markowski said the pair had been involved in a “stormy” relationship which had broken down prior to the offence.
At the time Learmonth, of Marykirk, was under stress because of financial pressures facing the business. He was also ill with a then undiagnosed serious illness, which has since been treated.
“The club no longer operates and my client is now employed by his father,” added Mr Markowski.
“He has run licensed premises in the past and is hoping to establish other businesses but potentially this conviction will have implications for him in that respect.”
Sheriff Gregor Murray said the offence’s severity had to be balanced against factors including the accused’s stress, illness and the fact it took place two years ago, otherwise the fine would have been “substantially higher”.