A Tain man’s 16 year relationship with his partner ended when he head-butted her in an angry rage after she returned home in the early hours of the morning.
But Tain Sheriff Court heard yesterday that 41 year old John Quigley’s partnership with Clare Macdonald was already deteriorating before September when the offence took place.
Quigley, of Duthac Wynd, admitted assault and was ordered to be under social work supervision for 12 months and attend both alcohol and domestic abuse counselling.
Sheriff Olga Pasportnikov also imposed a two year non harrassment order on Quigley who was banned from approaching or contacting Ms Macdonald.
Fiscal depute Fraser Matheson told the court that Ms Macdonald went out with a friend on the afternoon and September 10 and did not return until the early hours of September 11.
“Quigley sent her a number of text messages and made voice calls, one of which was heard by her friend. He was shouting abuse and insults at his partner and instructing her to go home.
“When she arrived home, he head-butted her and pushed her on the body.”
Defending, Ken Ferguson said that prior to this, the relationship was deteriorating.
“He was concerned that she was still out by the early hours of the morning and was in a rough area.”