A man who grabbed his wife by the throat just weeks into their marriage has been ordered to undertake a programme for domestic offenders.
Norman Walls, 41, took offence to something said by his wife during a night of drinking and dragged her across the room before pushing her against a wall.
At Forfar Sheriff Court on Thursday he was warned the offence was his “second strike” and a further domestic incident could land him in prison.
He admitted assaulting his wife at their home in West High Street, Forfar, on November 17, seizing her by the neck, pushing her against a wall and struggling with her, all to her injury.
Walls also pleaded guilty to driving on that date with excess alcohol (107 mics).
Fiscal depute Hannah Kennedy told the court the couple had only been married in October.
Defence agent Brian Bell said: “The parties are still together and they intend to get back residing with each other.”
Sheriff Valerie Johnston told Walls: “You had one chance and got admonished this is now your second chance.”
He received an 18-month Community Payback Order, including 150 hours of unpaid work and a requirement to complete the Fergus Programme for domestic offenders.
He was also banned from driving for 18 months.