Domestic abuser put on probation

Jun 25 2009 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

A MAN subjected his partner to a humiliating ordeal after accusing her of flirting with another man.

The couple were arguing in the woman’s home just after midnight on May 24 when Kenneth Penman forced her on to the kitchen floor and sat on top of her, pinning her to the ground.

Penman then began opening packets of crisps and pouring them over her head. As he did this he said: “Your house is a state.”

The 33-year-old then got a carton of milk from the fridge and poured it over the face of the complainer.

As the woman struggled in an attempt to break free Penman picked up the kitchen bin and emptied its contents over her.

She then managed to get away from him and called a friend to reveal what was happening.

The victim attempted to get Penman out of the house but he grabbed her by the hair and dragged her along the kitchen floor.

Penman then pulled her into the bathroom and poured water over her.

The police arrived and found the house in a state of disarray.

Penman was arrested and charged.

Last week at Linlithgow Sheriff Court Penman, whose address was given as Brackensbrae, Broxburn, pleaded guilty to the offence.

He also admitted breaching bail conditions by approaching his victim on June 4.

Penman’s solicitor, Laura Russell, insisted her client was dismayed to find himself in court.

Ms Russell said: “It is made clear in the social enquiry report the amount of regret, remorse and shame he feels.

“He has previous convictions but you have to look back to 1995 for the last, and he has no analogous convictions.

“This was a relationship that had gone on for some 10 years without prior incident.

“He is particularly disappointed with himself that he allowed this assault to go so far.

“Alcohol has certainly been a factor in this offence. It’s a factor he recognises as causing him problems and is something he wants to address.”

Placing Penman on probation for two years and fining him £265 Sheriff Douglas Kinloch said: “You have recognised by pleading guilty what you did was entirely unacceptable, and at least you have expressed your shame at what you did.

“At least you have saved her from coming to court to give evidence.

“It will be a condition of your probation that you participate in a domestic abuse programme.”