A Paisley man’s partner “locked” himself in the bedroom after being assaulted.
Boozed-up Kevin Boyd spent the day drinking on October 23 at local pubs with his boyfriend Bernard Murney when things turned sour back at their home.
An argument between the two in the early hours of the morning saw Boyd repeatedly strike his partner’s head and place his hands around his neck, all causing him injury.
Procurator fiscal depute Kirsten Brierley told Paisley Sheriff Court the couple have been in a relationship for four years and have lived together at Boyd’s flat in Paisley’s Glasgow Road for six months.
Ms Brierley explained the couple had been together drinking when Boyd left and returned home before Murney.
She told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Once home, the couple continued to drink into the early hours of October 24.
“Around 1am, an argument ensued between the parties and the accused struck Murney’s face twice, which caused swelling to his left eye and a cut to his upper lip.
“Murney was then knocked to the ground when the accused placed his hands on Murney’s neck, causing redness and superficial grazing.
“The complainer got away from the accused and locked himself in the bedroom and, due to being in a state of fear, he phoned his mum.
“She noted the complainer to be scared and contacted police.
“Officers attended at the property and noted injuries on Murney’s neck, but also noted that he didn’t need medical attention.
“Officers spoke with Murney who noted he was upset and crying, but due to being intoxicated a statement couldn’t be taken.
“Enquiries carried out by officers discovered that a neighbour had heard two male voices shouting.
“Boyd was arrested and taken to Govan police station where he was interviewed.
“He replied to some questions stating that he was present and replied no comment to others.”
Defence agent Rhona Lynch told the court Boyd “doesn’t accept” that Murney was “locked” in the bedroom as the door doesn’t have a lock – he was simply “shut” in the bedroom.
Mrs Lynch told how the couple ran a business together that is in the process of folding and reserved further mitigation.
Sheriff Lindsay Kooner said: “In view of the nature of the charge and the one previous conviction, which is analogous, albeit from some time ago, I’m going to call for background reports.”
Sheriff Kooner deferred sentencing for the preparation of a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty order assessment.
Boyd will return to court for sentencing on December 16, and his bail order was continued meantime.
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