Domestic abuse fiend placed on probation

Jan 28 2010 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

A MAN who was involved in two domestic incidents with two different women has been placed on probation by a local court.

Livingston Sheriff Court heard that on June 3 last year Hughes slapped his then girlfriend on the face at her home in Pumpherston following an argument about money.

The 24-year-old was released by the court on bail with the condition that he was not to approach his former partner.

But the sheriff court heard that on July 3 Hughes was arrested again after he admitted breaching his bail conditions by going to her house.

Sentence was deferred on Hughes for six months to see if he could be of good behaviour.

However in November Hughes breached his bail conditions again.

The Livingston man, who at this time was living with another woman, said that he was away to work in Newcastle for a few days.

But it soon transpired that he was back staying with the partner he had assaulted in June.

When his new lover found out she phoned him and told him to collect his belongings.

However, Hughes turned up at the house drunk and was asked to leave. He returned later on and when he was refused entry he began shouting and swearing and was arrested.

Last week at the court Hughes, whose address was given as Raeburn Rigg, Carmondean, pled guilty to the assault, two breaches of bail conditions and a breach of the peace.

His solicitor, Andy Aitken, told the court: “There is a common thread running through this appalling behaviour — Hughes is unable to control his temper while under the influence of alcohol.

“It is perhaps not surprising to hear he has lost his relationship with both girls and is now single and facing up to the fact that he has an alcohol problem.”

Mr Aitken asked for a further deferral of sentence to see if Hughes could tackle his alcohol problem but Sheriff Alan Millar didn’t agree.

Placing him on probation for 18 months and ordering him to carry out 40 hours of unpaid work Sheriff Millar added: “It is disappointing to find someone who has reached the age of 24 without getting into trouble and then finds himself in court.

“These were domestic incidents involving two partners and two breaches of bail also.

“When the court decrees and order the expectation is that you will comply. It is to your credit you are trying to address your alcohol problem — I’m sure this was a major part of your difficulties. You were also juggling two partners which is not a crime but possibly didn’t help.”