Man who assaulted wife is given supervision order

A man who admitted assaults against his wife which, in one incident saw him throw bottles at her, has been spared a prison sentence.

Instead Karl Maguire of Mid Yell has been fined a total of £700 and placed on supervision for 18 months.

Sentence had been deferred after Maguire, of Reafirth in the isle, previously appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court.

He admitted throwing bottles at his victim on New Year’s Eve in 2011. He presented a knife, or similar instrument, to her while threatening to kill her.

He also admitted grabbing her head and striking her head against a wall on or between 1st January 2014 and 31st March 2014.

The couple had been visiting neighbours but left after an argument developed.

That argument continued when they arrived home, which ended with Maguire throwing the bottles at her, although she was able to duck away from them. The woman’s 14-year-old daughter was present at the time.

At court yesterday, defence agent Tommy Allan submitted a reference to Sheriff Philip Mann on Maguire’s behalf.

He highlighted a background report which said Maguire and his wife had been together “for some considerable time”.

“Whatever their difficulties they are keen to work together to try and resolve things.”

He said the offences happened some time ago, with the oldest of the charges even dating as far back as 2011.

Mr Allan said Maguire and his family found themselves in a “difficult situation”, particularly with regard to the publicity the case had attracted.

“It’s difficult for them living in a small community when that information is out there.”

He said the nature of the conviction may yet have “dire consequences” for Maguire’s employment.

Mr Allan said Maguire had himself taken steps to address his behaviour. He said Maguire had obtained counselling, and did not enjoy the best of health.

“There is a recommendation about a community payback order, and there is a suggestion of supervision. Mr Maguire is more than willing to co-operate with this.”

Sheriff Mann told Maguire: “These are serious offences – particularly the first one. But I have to take into account that they happened a number of years ago, and they weren’t reported at the time.

“I’m also taking into account that there were no injuries libelled and you maintain the support of your wife.

“That allows me to deal with this other than by way of a custodial sentence.”