A Paisley brute who battered his girlfriend in front of children has been jailed.
Brian Murdoch, who was working as a youth worker at the time of the offence, wrapped his hands around his girlfriend’s throat and viciously headbutted after a drinking binge.
Paisley Sheriff Court heard Murdoch, 26, and Kirsty McDevitt had only been in a relationship for a month when he attacked her.
Procurator fiscal Martina McGuigan told the court the couple were within McDevitt’s property in the town’s West Buchanan Place, around 9pm on November 14.
Ms McDevitt went to bed while Murdoch continued drinking and began pestering her.
Ms McGuigan told: “Ms McDevitt asked Murdoch to leave the property but he refused.
“The accused entered the bedroom where she was sleeping and began shouting.
“Ms McDevitt couldn’t make out what he was saying due to the volume and she asked him to be quiet out of concern he would wake the children.
“He continued to shout causing the dog to bark and he was asked again to leave, but refused.”
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The court heard Ms McDevitt was sitting on her bed when the brute forced his head against hers and she pushed him away.
Children were awoken by the disturbance and made their way to Ms McDevitt’s bedroom and witnessed the horrific attack.
Ms McGuigan explained: “Murdoch approached the complainer from behind and put his arm around her neck in an effort to choke her. He held a tight grip and placed his weight onto her shoulders.
“The two children began shouting and Ms McDevitt managed to break free and make her way to the bedroom window to shout for help.
“The children left the room and when the complainer was facing the window, the accused approached her from behind again putting his arm around her neck but she managed to turn around and push him off.
“He abruptly came towards her and pushed her on to the bed using both hands.
“He then placed both hands on her throat again while tightening his grip, he then headbutted her causing her nose to bleed instantly.
“The kids returned to the room and saw her injured and bleeding. The complainer managed to push the accused out of the property.
“Police attended and observed Ms McDevitt to be covered in blood and had two small lacerations to her nose.”
Murdoch was traced and arrested at the Royal Alexandra Hospital where he was seeking medical attention for a hand injury after smashing the kitchen window during the rammy.
Defence agent, Paul Lynch told how Murdoch, described as a prisoner of Addiewell, has a “significant record.”
He added: “He is remorseful and regrets his behaviour.Sadly he was brought up in care and a sad statistic in this part of the country is that a child raised in care is more likely to end up in custody than university.”
Sheriff Gillian Craig said: “To say what happened that night was appalling would be an understatement.
“You attempted to choke your partner, you pushed her and you headbutted her all in front of children.
“You are a dangerous man and you have previous for violence.”
She jailed Murdoch for 23 months.
A non-harassment order was also granted for five years preventing him from contacting Ms McDevitt and from entering West Buchanan Place.
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