'Consequences' warning after man appears in dock for assault
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A FURIOUS husband who smashed the chain on a door before hitting his wife has been warned he is on his last chance.
Hugh Mackie (40) flew into a rage at being locked out of his former home in Foxglove Crescent, Inverness and forced open the door, breaking its chain. He later slapped Gillian Mackie on the head during the incident on July 31. He appeared at the city’s sheriff court to admit assaulting his wife and to threatening or abusive behaviour.
Depute fiscal Ross Carvel told the court: "He forced open the door causing the chain to break off and also causing the dog to run off. However, the complainer found the dog and returned home. But then the accused approached her and shouted through a window, ‘Is that you phoning your mummy?’ and also, ‘Is that you phoning your fat friends?’.
"This lasted for a couple of minutes then the accused was shouting about the dog."
The court heard how Mackie, of Springfield Gardens, then put both his hands under his wife’s arms and squeezed, causing her pain.
Mr Carvel added: "He put both hands under her arms pits and squeezed. He kept on doing that despite her protests then shouted, ‘Don’t push me Gillian, or there will be worse to come!’"
Mrs Mackie left the house with the dog and sat in her car. But her husband followed her and despite her pleas to leave, he slapped her on the head at her right ear which knocked her glasses to the pavement.
Mackie’s solicitor Alison Foggo told the court: "The couple were residing together until this incident and he has been residing at his mother’s house under strict bail conditions. It was an argument that sparked a very serious matter which began when he did not come home for his tea and had gone to the pub.
"However, there is a prospect of a reconciliation, but she wants an assurance this behaviour won’t be repeated. He’s very sorry for what occurred and he recognises he took things too far. Her behaviour can be controlling, but he accepts he has no right to do what he did."
Sheriff Paul Reid deferred sentence on Mackie for six months to be of good behaviour. He added: "Do not think you have carte blanche to misbehave and be under no illusion if you cause her any concern there will be consequences."
Mackie had his sentence deferred until March 15.
