Nairn man who carried out domestic abuse campaign against ex-partner told he may face jail
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A domestic abuser who carried out a campaign of violence against his former partner has been warned he may be facing jail.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard that Barrie McDonald (42) had been in a relationship with the woman since 2014 but a row broke out between them at their Nairn home on July 27, 2019.
The woman had been out for lunch with a friend in Inverness while McDonald stayed at home to look after their respective children from previous relationships.
When the woman returned intoxicated at around 9.30pm that night an argument broke out between them.
Fiscal depute Martina Eastwood said McDonald lost his temper and pushed her on the head and body.
She fought back and ran outside to see if her friend was still nearby and asked her for help.
Ms Eastwood said: "When she told him police were coming he said he was going to 'ruin your life' and 'put her head through a window'.
Police arrived before 10.30pm but were told it was just a verbal argument.
The woman left and spent the night at her mother's house the court heard.
However when she returned the next morning McDonald made more threats.
He told her "pack her bags", called her a "disgrace" and said he was going to "ruin her", Ms Eastwood said.
The fiscal depute added: "He said he wished he really hurt her the previous night".
The woman left and returned home that night where he asked her who she was texting on Whatsapp and asked to see her messages.
When she replied to him with a smiley face emoji he walked into the living room and tossed a bunch of wet clothes washing on top of the woman while she lay on the couch, adding that he would "f**k her up".
Ms Eastwood said: "On several occasions the accused thought she was being unfaithul".
This led to him checking her messages and tracking her phone.
The third incident took place on August 14, 2021, while they were attending a social gathering in Lossiemouth.
McDonald was said to have become angry that a work night out the woman was planning was going to involving male company.
He became aggressive and had to physically manhandled away from her.
The pair ended up getting a lift from the event to Elgin train station.
Both could be seen intoxicated on the platform and witnesses reported McDonald as calling her a "f**king slut" and a "f**king liar".
Ms Eastwood said: "She moved away from him and he followed her.
"He seized her by the neck causing her to fall to the ground and strike her face."
The police were called and McDonald was arrested.
A hospital examination found the woman had suffered multiple lacerations and bruising to various parts of her body.
She was also left with a scar to her permanent disfigurement.
While McDonald, of Camperdown Road, was being conveyed by police after the train station incident he tried to get out the vehicle and kicked out at one of the officers.
There was no injury.
McDonald admitted engaging in a course of conduct that was abusive of a former partner as well as trying to assault an officer in execution of their duty.
Sheriff Eilidh MacDonald deferred sentence until May 9 for the preparation of social work reports, assessment for the Caledonian men's programme for domestic abusers and consideration of a non-harassment order.
The sheriff added that all options including jail remain open to the court
