An Angus man has dodged a jail sentence over assaulting his former partner while she shielded an infant.
Andrew Ashcroft from Arbroath slapped and pulled at the woman’s hair in a taxi and dragged her to the ground outside his Ponderlaw Street home on October 20.
The 36-year-old appeared from custody at Forfar Sheriff Court and admitted assaulting the woman to her injury, breaching the peace, threatening police officers with violence and resisting arrest.
The court heard Ashcroft had expressed deep remorse over his conduct.
Fiscal depute Jill Drummond said the complainer had been visiting a neighbour of Ashcroft’s with the child, the accused had entered the flat, and expressed “surprise” to see them.
She had refused an invitation to stay at Ashcroft’s flat as there was no bed for the infant, and called a taxi.
The complainer got into the taxi, and Ashcroft began kicking the vehicle’s door before entering the car and climbing on top of the complainer, slapping her.
Ms Drummond said the woman was shielding the child during the assault.
A witness attempted to pull the accused away from the taxi but he got back in and continued to shout and swear at the complainer.
“The accused stated he was not moving and would wait for the police,” Ms Drummond added, and he “grabbed her by the hair”.
When police arrived, he “launched” himself at them and was forcibly restrained on the ground.
The complainer suffered a swollen face and nose, but did not require treatment.
The accused swore at police when cautioned and charged.
Defending Ashcroft, solicitor Billy Rennie said his client had been on remand since, and background reports had been made available.
He added: “The author of the report indicated Mr Ashcroft expressed deep remorse and shame over his conduct.
“He is very much aware custody must be uppermost in the court’s mind and he is under no illusions.”
Sheriff Gregor Murray said: “I make it clear to you that you are extremely fortunate this is on summary procedure and not on indictment.
“Were I to impose a custodial sentence, it would be at the upper end of the 12 months I can impose.
“With considerable hesitation I’m prepared to put you on a community payback order for two years, with 225 hours reduced from 300 the maximum I can give you.”
A review has been fixed for February 18.