‘Man of violence’ is sent to prison for assault on brother

Nov 26 2009 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

A THUG labelled a “man of violence” by a sheriff has been jailed for an attack on his own brother.

Livingston Sheriff Court heard that Richard Miller had been drinking with his sibling and his mother at an address in Birniehill Crescent, Bathgate on July 17.

Just before 3am an argument took place between the brothers. The argument escalated and Miller struck his brother on the face.

A few minutes later police arrived after receiving reports of a disturbance at the address.

Miller, whose address was given as Monkland Road, Bathgate pled guilty to the assault.

The court heard that at the time of the assault the 29-year-old had just been released from prison after being jailed for four years in 2005 for an assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

His solicitor, Glenn Fraser, told the court the fight had been a brotherly dispute.

Mr Fraser added: “The whole family had been drinking all day and they were all fairly inebriated.

“It was not unknown behaviour for either of them to argue.”

Sheriff Martin Edington said Miller’s lengthy record meant there was no other option but jail.

Handing him a 230 day sentence Sheriff Edington added: “As far as I can see you have 10 pages of previous convictions and 14 of these convictions are for assault.

“Miller you are a man of violence so, not for the first time, you will be going to prison.”