A north-east man has admitted carrying out a string of offences against his former partner, including “pushing” her through woods while uttering threats to kill her.
David Riddoch, of Springhill Road in Aberdeen, pleaded guilty to knocking the woman to the ground in 2010 and then, in 2017, sitting on her body, restraining her with his arms and placing a pillow over her face.
Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard that, last February, the 34-year-old drove the woman to Hazlehead Golf Course and “pushed” her from the car.
During Riddoch’s previous appearance in the dock, in April, it emerged that he then “pushed her through the woods making various threats, including words to the effect of ‘I’m going to kill you’”.
The court heard that his actions were spurred on by jealously.
And, after the woman left Riddoch, he sent more than 100 texts and emails asking her to rekindle the relationship.
His defence lawyer, David Sutherland, yesterday appealed for Riddoch to be spared a prison sentence.
He said: “My client saw it as a happy, settled and committed relationship – but accepts it is now over between them, and has moved on.”
Sheriff Morag McLaughlin said: “This is a serious matter, and I think you accept that.
“This quite legitimately could have warranted a custodial sentence.”
Riddoch was given 220 hours of unpaid work and ordered to remain home between the hours of 8pm and 6am for the next six months.