Woman assaulted on Elgin railway platform
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A domestic abuser who assaulted his former partner at Elgin train station has been warned he could go to jail.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard that Barrie McDonald (42) had been in a relationship with the woman since 2014.
The woman had been out for lunch with a friend in Inverness on July 27, 2019.
When she returned intoxicated home to Nairn at around 9.30pm an argument broke out.
Fiscal depute Martina Eastwood said McDonald lost his temper and pushed her.
She fought back and ran outside to see if her friend was still nearby and asked her for help.
Ms Eastwood said: "When she told him police were coming he said he was going to 'ruin your life' and 'put her head through a window'.
Police arrived before 10.30pm but were told it was just a verbal argument.
The woman left and spent the night at her mother's house.
When she returned the next morning McDonald made more threats.
He told her to "pack her bags", called her a "disgrace" and said he was going to "ruin her", Ms Eastwood said.
The fiscal depute added: "He said he wished he'd really hurt her the previous night".
Later that day he asked who she was texting and asked to see her messages.
When she replied with a smiley face emoji he walked into the living room and tossed a bunch of wet clothes washing on top of her while she lay on the couch, adding that he would "**** her up".
Ms Eastwood said: "On several occasions the accused thought she was being unfaithul".
This led to him checking her messages and tracking her phone.
The third incident took place on August 14, 2021, while they were attending a social gathering in Lossiemouth.
McDonald was said to have become angry that a work night out the woman was planning was going to involve male company.
He became aggressive and had to physically manhandled away from her.
The pair ended up getting a lift from the event to Elgin train station.
Both could be seen intoxicated on the platform and witnesses reported McDonald calling her a "******* slut" and a "******* liar".
Ms Eastwood said: "She moved away from him and he followed her.
"He seized her by the neck, causing her to fall to the ground and strike her face."
The police were called and McDonald was arrested.
While he was being driven away he tried to get out the police vehicle and kicked out at one of the officers.
A hospital examination found the woman had suffered multiple cuts and bruises.
She was also left with a permanent scar.
McDonald, of Camperdown Road, admitted engaging in a course of conduct that was abusive of a former partner as well as trying to assault an officer in execution of their duty.
Sheriff Eilidh MacDonald deferred sentence until May 9 for the preparation of social work reports, assessment for the Caledonian men's programme for domestic abusers and consideration of a non-harassment order.
The sheriff added that all options including jail remain open to the court
