INVERNESS SHERIFF COURT: Chance for man who abused pregnant partner
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A plant operator has been given a chance to avoid a second jail sentence for abusing his partner.
Gary Fraser (41) of Culduthel Park, Inverness, was jailed for eight months last year for an assault on her and appeared for sentence at Inverness Sheriff Court on the new offence this week.
He had admitted verbally attacking the woman several times while she was pregnant with his child and engaging in a course of domestic abuse on March 18 and 19 this year.
The offences were said to have occurred outside Cauldeen Primary School and in Morvich Way and Hilton Village, all Inverness.
Sheriff Robert Frazer was told Fraser's partner was due to give birth on August 18 and she wanted him to be present. This was refused by the sheriff who was told the baby was born four weeks prematurely and was healthy.
Defence solicitor advocate Shahid Latif said: "There has been blame on both sides of this relationship that is at an end. But she is supportive of him if he fixes his ways and is willing to allow him to play a part in the infant's life."
Sentence had been deferred for a background report and Sheriff Frazer said it contained some positive elements.
Mr Latif was given the opportunity to discuss with Fraser if he was willing to take part in a programme for men who abuse their partners.
After a brief adjournment, Mr Latif said Fraser was willing and Sheriff Frazer deferred sentence again until September 13 for an assessment by social workers.
Fraser was again remanded in custody.
Fiscal depute Pauline Gair had previously told the court that Fraser repeatedly contacted his partner in person or by phone, uttering insults, derogatory remarks and threats of violence towards her and her family. He also said he would damage her house.
Mrs Gair quoted two messages: "When I get out of jail, I will do it all again. I will torture you and your family."
The second: "Your house is still standing. It won't be for long."
Mrs Gair said that on receipt of this, the woman was in fear and contacted police for him to be arrested.
