ALEXANDER MACPHEE COATBRIDGE THUG ESCAPES PRISON AFTER BRUTAL FLAT ASSAULT

A man from Coatbridge, Alexander MacPhee, aged 22, who was involved in a violent assault against a woman inside a flat in Jackson Court, has narrowly avoided imprisonment. Instead, he has been subjected to a series of community-based sanctions, including electronic monitoring and financial compensation to his victim.

On February 12 of the previous year, MacPhee carried out a vicious attack that left a lasting impact on the victim. The incident was heard in Airdrie Sheriff Court last week, where details of the assault were laid bare. According to court reports, MacPhee repeatedly grabbed the woman around her body, seized her throat, and pressed her against a wall, demonstrating a pattern of aggressive behavior. The assault escalated when he punched her in the head, causing her to fall to the ground, and then kicked her, inflicting further physical harm.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that MacPhee denied any intention to rape the woman. He claimed that he demanded she have sexual intercourse with him and made threats of violence, but prosecutors accepted that there was no evidence to support an allegation of rape. The court also heard that the assault resulted in a significant injury, with the victim requiring a crown to be replaced on her tooth after being struck with a single punch to the face, described as a clip to the ear. The attack in the kitchen was described as a frightening ordeal, which lasted only a short period but left a profound impact.

Defense lawyer Janice Green acknowledged the seriousness of the offense. She stated, “He accepts the seriousness of the offence and has been advised that the court would be well within its rights to impose a custodial sentence and that it will be considering that disposal.” She further explained that the assault caused injury, including the need to replace a crown on the victim’s tooth, and described the incident as a brief but frightening experience for her.

When passing sentence, Sheriff Frank Pieri emphasized the gravity of the offense, noting that the assault had serious consequences. He stated, “These are serious matters which had serious consequences and I could easily impose a prison sentence. By the slimmest of margins I can impose a community-based disposal.”

As a result, MacPhee was sentenced to an 18-month community payback order, which includes supervision and monitoring. Additionally, he was fitted with an electronic tag for one year and ordered to adhere to strict home curfews: every Friday from 8.30 pm until 7 am Saturday, and every Saturday and Sunday from 7 am until 7 pm. Furthermore, he was ordered to pay his victim £500 in compensation, to be paid at a rate of £50 per month. Sheriff Pieri concluded by warning MacPhee that this arrangement was a direct alternative to custody, and any breach of the conditions would result in serious consequences.