Drunk youth’s prolonged attack on girlfriend

Jun 21 2011 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A TEENAGER was subjected to a prolonged beating by her boozed-up boyfriend when they argued after a party.

And when a concerned member of the public tried to intervene to stop the violent attack, 17-year-old Brian Donald rounded on her and shouted: “I’ll take you on.”

Elizabeth Hodge was “terrified” at the accused’s intimidating and threatening behaviour, Perth Sheriff Court was told.

It was only thanks to a passing motorist that the assault was brought to an end, according to depute fiscal Robbie Brown.

Donald, of Glebe Drive, Inchture, was told that it was only his age – and lack of record – that had spared him a custodial sentence.

Instead, he was ordered to take part in the 12-week Right Track programme, an intensive course designed to steer youngsters away from crime.

He admitted repeatedly punching Danielle Johnston on the head and body, hitting her head off the pavement and then kicking her on the body, to her injury.

He also pled guilty to threatening Elizabeth Hodge with violence, to her fear and alarm.

The incidents took place in Main Street, Invergowrie, on March 6.

Mr Brown said the accused and his girlfriend had been to a party in Inchture but became involved in a “heated argument” as they walked home.

The noise wakened neighbours in Main Street and one of them looked out of her window and saw Donald standing over the girl, punching and kicking her.

“Another person walking in the street saw the accused take the complainer by the hair with his right hand and bang her head on the pavement.”

The person who spotted the initial assault banged on the window and the accused stopped the attack.

But after walking along the road a short distance, the accused was again seen laying into her.

“The man who had been walking in the street went over and asked if the girl was OK but the accused told her not to say anything and told him to go away,” added Mr Brown.

The female householder was “sufficiently disturbed” to go outside and then saw Donald punch the victim a number of times.

The violence ended when the passing motorist intervened and the police arrested Donald.

Officers noticed there was “reddening” to the female’s face but she didn’t tell – or show – them if she had any other injuries.

Solicitor Billy Boyle said the accused had never been in trouble before and described it as a “one-off” incident caused through drink.

Their relationship was said to be “volatile” and he added: “They were falling over each other through drink. She didn’t make a complaint to the police.”

Sheriff Michael Fletcher said: “This was a serious and persistent offence but fortunately for you it would appear there were no serious injuries.

“Perhaps it will have drawn to your attention the dangers of drink.”

He had considered detention because of the prolonged nature of the attack but agreed to allow the accused to take part in the Right Track programme.

Donald will return to court on September 28, when his progress will be assessed.

He has been ordered to stay out of further trouble until then.