Texts trigger assault in car

AN Alness man attacked his partner after seeing "detrimental" messages about him on her mobile phone.

Paul Williamson (29), Burnside, was a passenger in the woman's car at the time.

An argument ensued and he seized hold of her after she stopped the car and told him to get out.

"He put his forearm round her neck and pushed her up against the car window", prosecutor Roderick Urquhart told Tain Sheriff Court today.

"She described herself as very scared and struggling to breathe."

A passing taxi driver saw what was happening and called police.

Mr Urquhart said the relationship was now over and he had received a communication on behalf of the woman from Ross-shire Women's Aid asking that Williamson be given a non-harassment order.

Williamson admitted committing the assault at Westford roundabout, Alness, on May 14.

Defence agent Rory Gowans said: "The argument did occur within the vehicle as a consequence of Mr Williamson seeing messages about him - detrimental messages."

The lawyer said Williamson had lost his temper but had pushed the woman up against the window in order to get his jacket back.

Sheriff Chris Dickson imposed a community payback order with a number of requirements.

Williamson has to undertake 135 hours of unpaid work in the next year, be under social work supervision for two years, take part in substance abuse and mental health treatment programmes.

He also has to take part in the Caledonian Men's Programme.

The sheriff granted a two-year non-harassment order.