DOMESTIC ABUSER AVOIDS JAIL
A man who physically assaulted his partner by choking her and pushing her against a bus shelter has been sentenced in court.Arnold Bryden admitted to two separate incidents of assault against the same woman, occurring in Dreghorn and Irvine seven months apart.
The first incident happened on February 24 last year on Campbell Place in Dreghorn.
During this altercation, Bryden, who was then a prisoner at HMP Low Moss, acknowledged throwing cigarettes and a lighter at the woman, hitting her in the face.
He also admitted to pushing her to the ground, pouring liquid on her, grabbing her by the throat and squeezing, pushing her into a bus shelter, and repeatedly hitting her on the head.
The second incident took place on North Vennel in Irvine on September 18 last year.
Bryden pleaded guilty to punching the woman’s head, grabbing her by the hair, pushing her, causing her to fall, and pouring liquid over her, resulting in injuries.
Notably, this second incident occurred while Bryden was on bail for the first offence.
At a sentencing hearing held on June 6, it was suggested that Bryden complete a non-custodial court order prior to joining the Caledonian Men’s Programme.
This programme is designed for men convicted of domestic abuse and includes support services for their partners and children.
Bryden's solicitor Neil McPherson told Kilmarnock Sheriff Court: "In the period he has been in custody, he has managed to withdraw completely from drugs.
"He's come to court today prepared for jail.
He knows that's the most realistic outcome.
"If you were to consider the order with a delay to the Caledonian Programme, it has been done before.
"Not only will it focus his mind, it will give you some encouragement in three months time that he is dedicated.
"For three months he will have the knowledge hanging over him that it will be the Caledonian Programme or the jail." Sheriff Nicola Patrick stated, "This clearly meets the threshold for custody.
Any order would need to include the Caledonian Men's Programme.
I see merit in getting to the root of your behaviour, but it depends on how you engage with this." Bryden was sentenced to undergo two years and six months of supervision before a review for the programme.
Additionally, a daily curfew from 7pm to 7am was imposed for six months.
