A carer who assaulted his former fiancee during an alcohol-fuelled row has been put on a year-long supervision order.
Scott Campbell and his then partner began arguing after returning home from a night out on March 8.
Elgin Sheriff Court heard that when she tried to get away from Campbell, he followed her upstairs and pushed her onto the bed before putting a pillow over her head.
Depute fiscal Rowena Carlton said: “Campbell pushed her onto the bed and shoved a pillow over her head to make her panic.
“Afterwards he held a duvet over her head which made her scared for her life, and stopped her from screaming.
“She tried to leave the room but he stood in the doorway preventing her from going before she managed to get past him and contacted her next door neighbour.”
Campbell previously admitted assaulting his partner, behaving in a threatening manner, and breaching his bail conditions twice.
The court heard the couple have now split up.
Defence agent Stephen Carty said Campbell – who has lost his job as a carer for autistic people as a result of the case – wanted to apologise for his behaviour.
He said: “On the night in question, Mr Campbell was supplied with information that made his conversation with his partner unpleasant and this incident came about due to too much alcohol being consumed.”
Campbell, of Batchen Street, Forres, was put on a 12-month supervision order and told to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work. He must also undertake the Respect learning programme.