A “hard-working but hard-drinking” Moray man was jailed for four months at Inverness Sheriff Court after throwing a pitchfork through his ex-partner’s window.
Padraig Cafferkey of Hay Crescent, Keith, appeared by video link before Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald on Thursday and admitted a charge of culpable and reckless behaviour.
His sentence was backdated to March 16 when he was remanded in custody.
The court was told that the incident in the early hours of March 8 this year took place at a house in Back Street, Keith.
Fiscal depute Robert Weir said that Cafferkey had been involved in an “on-off” relationship with the occupier.
“She had returned to the house with friends following a night out socialising. She then heard banging on the kitchen door and saw the window being hit with a pitch fork.
“It came through the window and landed on the floor. Cafferkey later said that he had paid for the damage.” Mr Weir went on.
His solicitor, Stephen Carty told the court his 30-year-old client earned between £1,000 and £1,300 a week with his employment which would still be open to him on his release.
“He is a high earner but also works hard and drinks hard.” Mr Carty added.
Sheriff Macdonald imposed a non harassment order for six months to protect Cafferkey’s ex-partner, saying: “This was risky and potentially dangerous behaviour.”