An Angus domestic abuser who attacked his wife after a wine-fuelled festive night out at his neighbours’ home has been slated by a sheriff for his attitude to the “highly unpleasant incident”.
Michael Stott is facing an electronic tag after admitting the December 27 offence at the couple’s Friockheim home, in which he kicked her on the body and pulled her by the hair.
Forfar Sheriff Court heard the couple had been at friends for dinner and several bottles of wine were consumed.
Depute fiscal Bill Kermode said the pair returned home around 11pm where they had a minor argument.
As the victim walked past 41-year-old Stott, he hit her on the lower back, causing her to fall to the ground.
“She was curled up on the floor with her hands around her head to protect herself,” Mr Kermode said.
The accused was standing over the woman and she slapped him, which he responded to by pulling her hair.
The court was told that Stott then called police to report his partner’s conduct and in a statement said she had instigated matters.
Sheriff Derek Reekie told Stott, of Duncan Avenue, Arbroath: “It all sounds a highly unpleasant incident.
“What causes the court particular concern is the attitude you demonstrated in relation to your actions.”
The sheriff noted a previous domestic offence on Stott’s record.
Sentence was deferred until April 23 for a background report and tagging order assessment, when a non-harrassment order will also be considered.