A domestic abuser who ended up in hospital himself after a brutal attack on his girlfriend has been jailed for 16 months.
But Anthony Bucknell was expected to be freed immediately because of the time he had spent in prison awaiting his court case.
The 31-year-old admitted assaulting the woman at his home in Brown Street, Shotts, in November 2021 and February 28 this year.
His 16-month stretch was backdated to March 1, meaning he was likely to be freed under early release rules.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard that the first attack happened after the couple had been out for dinner.
On their return, Bucknell began calling the woman names.
Abby Seal, prosecuting, said: “The accused punched her repeatedly on the face as she lay on a bed, telling her ‘You know what’s coming to you’.
“She left and went to a relative’s house. She had swelling and bruising, and was unable to open one eye.
“Initially the victim said she had fallen in the bathroom. She was taken by ambulance to hospital and then gave her mother the correct version of events.”
After the second assault the woman phoned her mother and began to cry, saying she was scared and “sore all over”.
Police found her and Bucknell in the accident and emergency unit at Wishaw General Hospital.
The fiscal said: “The victim had her hood up and was curled into a ball in the corner of a waiting room. She was visibly upset and told the police she had fallen.
“Her injuries included a lump on her forehead and bruising to her neck, jaw and arms. She also complained of pain in her ribs.
“Bucknell had bruising to his hand and knuckles. He told the police he had sustained injuries by falling at home.
“He was treated for a broken finger before being discharged and was then arrested.”
The court heard that the woman was “uncooperative and hostile” towards the police.
Despite this, the prosecutor asked Sheriff Liam Murphy to consider a non-harassment order to protect her from further harm.
Defence agent Elspeth Forrest said both Bucknell and the victim have mental health issues.
The sheriff decided not to impose an NHO, saying it was unnecessary.
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