Jury rejects Inverness man’s sex alibi
An Inverness man’s claim that he could not have carried out a life-threatening assault on his ex partner because he was in bed with his new girlfriend at the time has been rejected by a jury.
The majority verdict on William MacFarlane (25), of Mackay Road, Inverness, was returned after a three-day trial this week.
MacFarlane had denied going to the home of his ex partner in the city’s Parkfield View on the night of February 11 this year, and said in evidence he had no idea why she would say he did.
Subscribe to receive free regular email newsletters
He pleaded not guilty to an indictment alleging domestic abuse, assault to severe injury and danger of life, and committing these offences while on bail. but a majority verdict of guilty was returned on all charges.
The assault charge included that he repeatedly punched and kicked the woman on the head and body including when she was lying on the floor, and bit her hand.
He has been remanded in custody for the past seven months and this week went on trial before Sheriff Gary Aitken and a jury.
The court heard earlier that police officers were called to Parkfield View after reports of a woman screaming. They found her injured, hysterically crying and scared.
She told them “He was here,” before saying she was referring to MacFarlane.
The officers found no one else in the ground floor flat, but the living room curtains and window were open and it was suggested MacFarlane may have fled that way.
MacFarlane, on Wednesday, gave evidence on his own behalf and put forward his alibi defence that he was making love all night.
When fiscal depute Naomi Duffy-Welsh challenged MacFarlane’s claim he told her: “I had taken a Viagra so it was actually ongoing all night. My flatmate was embarrassed when he popped his head in.”
MacFarlane’s flatmate also gave evidence that MacFarlane was home all night.
He and MacFarlane’s 20-year-old girlfriend denied they were lying in court to protect MacFarlane.
The jury retired this morning and came back with their majority guilty verdicts about three hours later.
Sheriff Aitken called for social work reports and remanded MacFarlane in custody until October 11 when he will appear again for sentence.
