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Daily Record
National
Lanarkshire Live

Lanarkshire domestic abuser who threatened to 'rip off' victim's head avoids jail

An East Kilbride domestic abuser, whose victim suffered a broken wrist, avoided a prison sentence this week.

At one point the frightened victim locked herself in the bathroom for an hour to get away from violent Michael Docherty.

Hamilton Sheriff Court heard how the 23-year-old thug threatened to "rip her head off".

Docherty admitted subjecting his ex to abusive conduct and assaulting her at their home in Owen Park between August and December 2020.

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre placed him under supervision for two years and imposed a two-year non-harassment order.

Docherty must carry out 300 hours of unpaid community work and will be confined to his home each night for two months under an electronic tagging order.

Hamilton Sheriff Court (Hamilton Advertiser)

Jennifer Cunningham, prosecuting, said the couple moved into the flat in July that year, but Docherty was soon subjecting his partner to verbal abuse "on a daily basis".

She told the court: "He would get angry and go on rampages.

"On one occasion Docherty was complaining about the mess of the property.

"The complainer was holding her laptop computer and he pushed her from behind, causing her to fall.

"As a result she sustained a fractured wrist and had to wear a cast for six to eight weeks.

"Docherty sent her numerous texts, apologising, but his abusive behaviour continued.

"He would scream at her and threatened to rip her head off."

In October 2020, Docherty grabbed his partner "forcibly" by the neck during a row, causing bruising.

Then, in December - after another argument - the woman told him she wanted a break from their relationship.

Docherty flew into a rage and she locked herself in the bathroom for an hour while he banged on the door and threatened to "take it off its hinges".

She again sought refuge in the bathroom after a similar incident a few days later before contacting the police.

Docherty, a joiner, has no previous convictions.

Defence agent Ross Yuill said there has been no contact between the parties since December 2020 and the relationship is over.

The solicitor added: "My client's conduct is linked to significant childhood trauma that has resulted in marked mental health difficulties and self-medicated use of cannabis.

"He has behaved very poorly.

"He describes feelings of depression, anxiety and anger."

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