Stewart Parker, 67, who admitted punching and choking his wife in a Tesco Express car park in Wishaw, has been spared a prison sentence. Instead, Sheriff John Hamilton KC placed him under supervision for 18 months, imposed a non-harassment order for the same period, and ordered him to pay his wife £1,500 in compensation.
Attack in supermarket car park
The incident occurred on September 14 at the Tesco Express car park on Coltness Road, Wishaw. The couple had been due to fly to Tenerife for a family holiday the following day, but the trip went ahead without Parker.
Prosecutor Rosemary O'Neill told Hamilton Sheriff Court that the couple argued in the car during a shopping trip. Their adult daughter, who was also present, asked them to stop at Tesco on the way home. The daughter entered the supermarket around 2:30 pm, leaving her parents in the car.
Details of the assault
O'Neill said: "A further argument ensued and the accused, who was in the back seat, punched his partner to the side of the face, causing an abrasion. He then grabbed her hair and punched her face again before putting his arm around her neck."
The daughter returned to the car and saw her mother's head moving violently. She realized what was happening and ran toward the vehicle, witnessing her father holding her mother in a headlock. "He was choking her and she says she was struggling to breathe," O'Neill added.
The daughter threw a milk carton at Parker, who released his wife but then grabbed her again and placed his hands around her neck. She began shouting for help, which prompted Parker to stop. He then got out of the car and walked away.
Court outcome
Parker, of North Dryburgh Road, Wishaw, pleaded guilty to the assault. Sheriff Hamilton imposed an 18-month supervision order, a non-harassment order for the same duration, and ordered him to pay £1,500 compensation to the victim.
