A husband was so unhappy with his wife’s Christmas present he threw it in the bin and shouted and swore at her.
Inverness Sheriff Court was told that the Christmas Day dispute occurred in the evening after 54-year-old Ian Campbell, of Burns Crescent, Dingwall, had spent most of the day drinking.
Defence solicitor advocate Neil Wilson told Sheriff Ian Cruickshank that his client, who provides technical services to the police and ambulance, had drunk alcohol for the first time in a year.
Fiscal depute Ruraidh Allison said that Campbell had followed his wife from room to room, continuing in his threatening or abusive manner. The police were called and he was arrested.
‘He can’t do it himself going cold turkey’
Mr Wilson added: “He has spent two nights in the cells and has had time to reflect on matters.
“He made a full confession to the police and has apologised for his behaviour. He knows he has an underlying difficulty with alcohol – he hadn’t had a drink for a year until Christmas Day.
“He has sought help in the past and as soon as he is released, he says he is going to get further help.
“He can’t do it himself going cold turkey. He has no previous convictions and has a responsible job.”
Sheriff Cruickshank told the first offender: “You have spent two nights in custody and no further punishment is necessary.”
He admonished Campbell, meaning while the conviction remains on his record, he does not face any additional punishment.
