Jealousy prompts Ardgay man to assault woman in Nairn bar
An offshore worker earning £8000-a-month was jealous when a woman began playing pool with another man in a Nairn bar.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard that 41-year-old Andrew Hartsone, of Wester Rhelonie, Ardgay, followed her into the toilet at the Star Hotel on the evening of November 17 last year and began screaming at her.
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Fiscal depute David Morton told Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald: "He challenged her, screaming at her: 'What are you doing? You are taking the mickey out of me.'
"Then he pushed her and pinned her against a wall. She screamed which alerted a member of staff and she described him as being right in his partner's face.
"He was told to leave the bar and was abusive to bar staff."
Hartsone admitted threatening behaviour towards the woman and staff plus assaulting her.
Defending, David Patterson told the court: "It was quite a toxic relationship. Alcohol has historically been an issue for him but he is sober now.
"He is disgusted by his behaviour as he should be and is remorseful."
Fining Hartsone £940 due to his high wage, Sheriff Macdonald told him: "This is not the first time you have been involved in threatening and violent behaviour. This was appalling."
She also banned him from contacting the woman for six months.
