A repeat offender has been given a chance to patch up his relationship with the partner he attacked. Airdrie Sheriff Court heard that Lee MacDonald's mother witnessed his assault on the woman.
MacDonald, 27, appeared from custody, having been in prison since his arrest on January 25. He admitted assaulting the woman at his mother's flat in Coatbridge, and failing to comply with a bail condition to stay away from her.
Ruth Rabey, prosecuting, said the couple had been in an on-off relationship for around 10 years. The victim lives in a flat across the road from where MacDonald's mother stays.
Ms Rabey told the court: "The accused and his partner had an argument and he began to push her. He grabbed her by the throat with one hand and covered her nose and mouth with the other. MacDonald's mother overheard the argument and went into the room. The accused let go of his partner and his mother got between them. This allowed the victim to return to her flat. She locked the door behind her and contacted the police."
The court was told that this was MacDonald's third conviction for domestic abuse towards his partner, although the others did not involve violence.
Defence lawyer Mark Lutton said: "He has learned a lesson and wishes to reconcile with her. During his time in custody he has stayed away from substances that have been the catalyst for his offending. In fact, he has had two strokes and a minor heart attack as a result of substance abuse."
Sheriff Paul Haran deferred sentence for six months and ordered MacDonald to be of good behaviour.
