Elgin man assaulted partner three times within space of one week

A domestic abuser has been told he is "going to kill a woman one day" after he assaulted his partner three times within the space of a week.

Elgin Sheriff Court heard that on October 14 this year Kyle Mackenzie was socialising with his partner at an Elgin address when he started acting aggressively towards her.

The 27-year-old is said to have punched her in the ribs which, although sore at the time, was not reported to the police.

A few days later on October 18, Mackenzie is said to have become “highly agitated” after consuming half a litre of whisky at another property in Elgin.

At around 4am on October 19, Mackenzie became aggressive again and punched his partner on the forehead.

A little over two hours later, Mackenzie is said to have grabbed his partner by the shoulder and pulled her after they had been dropped off at a property in Lossiemouth at around 6.45am.

Defence solicitor Matthew O’Neill told the court that his client had been struggling with his mental health at the time due to it being the anniversary of the passing of his younger brother.

Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood interrupted Mr O’Neill, stating: “I would have some sympathy for that were it not for the fact that this is a young man who has assaulted the same woman three times over the course of a week for no reason at all.

“This is a young man who is going to kill a woman one day.

“He is a violent man who takes it out on his partner.

“He hasn’t gone a bit off the rails. He is a habitual offender.

“Why shouldn’t he go to jail?”

Mr O’Neill said that although his client struggles with his mental health he accepts there is no excuse for his actions.

He added that Mackenzie has been “open and honest” about his difficulties and while his previous record of offending does him “no favours” he is now better placed to handle those difficulties.

Mr O’Neill added: “Allow him to come back to show that he can comply.”

Sheriff Fleetwood ordered Mackenzie to carry out 130 hours of unpaid work.

He also imposed a three-year supervision order.

Sheriff Fleetwood added: “You are a nasty, unthinking and vile man who has no thought or compassion for anyone but yourself.

“I suspect you will be back in custody.”