Man admits assaulting girlfriend

A 42-year-old man who admitted assaulting his girlfriend and committing a breach of the peace after drinking heavily at the weekend has had his sentence deferred.

Appearing from custody at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Monday, Neil Davidson, of Sandveien, Lerwick, pleaded guilty to repeatedly pushing his victim to the ground and conducting himself in a disorderly manner in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The court was told that Davidson had returned home drunk on Saturday evening and shouted and swore during an argument with his girlfriend, who herself had been planning to go out with some friends. When she returned to the house a couple of hours later, she hoped that he would be asleep but she found Davidson was still awake and he began shouting again.

When she decided to leave for her own safety, he followed her out of the house and was seen pushing her to the ground. When police officers in the area approached they found the victim lying on the ground covered in snow and in some distress. She sustained a bump above her eye as a result of the assault.

The court also heard that Davidson had a number of previous convictions, including one of assaulting a former partner.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said Davidson had become concerned about his own drinking habit and “intends to look for help in relation to that”.

Sheriff Graeme Napier deferred sentence until 11th March in order that social inquiry results can be carried out and granted bail to Davidson, who recently started work at Sullom Voe, on the condition that he takes up residence at a friend’s house and does not approach or attempt to contact the victim.