INVERNESS SHERIFF COURT: Bondage sex game went too far between couple
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A sex game went wrong when a man slashed a woman's buttock after tying her up, blindfolding and gagging her before hanging her from a hook.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard that 54-year-old Isaac Bunce was into a BDSM relationship with another woman over 10 years ago.
But he went too far when he took a small knife to her backside, leaving her with a scar.
The definition of BDSM meaning bondage, discipline, sadism and masochism is sexual activity involving such practices as the use of physical restraints, the granting and relinquishing of control, and the infliction of pain.
The court heard Bunce, whose address was given as Ardgowan, Croy, was very apologetic afterwards and kept saying sorry to his victim.
He admitted at Inverness Sheriff Court assaulting the woman and cutting her on the body with a knife at a house in St Ninian's Drive, Inverness.
Fiscal depute Pauline Gair told Sheriff Sara Matheson that the case had been delayed due to Covid and Bunce had been due to stand trial before a jury.
However a guilty plea was agreed.
Mrs Gair said: "The relationship involved BDSM behaviour and included the use of ropes, whips, and other implements by consent but never knives.
"On one occasion he told her that she had to be punished, tied her up, gagged her, blindfolded her and attached her to a hook on the ceiling.
"He was whipping the woman who complained it was sore and he stopped. She then felt blood running down her leg and saw a small knife.
"It appeared to have been used to inflict a four inch cut to her right buttock. She did not seek medical attention and it has left a scar."
Mrs Gair added that Bunce had previous convictions, but of a non-analogous nature involving road traffic offences.
Defence counsel Lorenzo Alonzi said the court would be requiring a background report.
He added: "What happened after being cut and bleeding was he immediately apologised, saying 'oh s**t, sorry.' He appeared to get a fright and said he hadn't intended to draw blood.
"The relationship did continue for a short while afterwards. And that night he repeatedly said he was sorry."
Bunce had his bail continued until sentencing on December 19.
But he now faces the possibility of being added to the Sex Offender's Register if the sheriff decides there was "a significant sexual element" to the offence.
