DUNDEE MAN SENTENCED AFTER TERRIFYING ATTACK ON HIS PARTNER
A distressed woman fled her residence in Dundee seeking help after her former partner, driven by paranoia, assaulted her with a blanket.Craig Cathro, aged 32, had been awake for several days using cocaine when he forcefully entered her flat early in the morning.
Following an accusation of infidelity, he positioned himself over her and covered her face with a blanket to prevent her from breathing, leading her to believe she was in mortal danger.
Clad in pyjamas, she managed to escape the assault and ran to a nearby Morrisons supermarket to request assistance.
Cathro was subsequently jailed after admitting guilt to an attack in September 2024 and for violating bail conditions shortly after being released from custody.
Dundee Sheriff Court detailed how Cathro entered the woman’s bedroom around 5:30 am, threw a glass of water and a Tupperware container at her, and knocked her to the ground.
Prosecutor Lee Corr stated that Cathro covered her mouth with both hands and pushed her, causing her to panic.
The blanket he used obscured her face, making breathing difficult, and she feared for her life.
Police noted she appeared visibly shaken, with a bruise on her right cheek and scratches on her shoulder.
After being released on bail, Cathro attempted to contact the woman through a third party the following day, breaching his conditions.
A court video showed him near a van shouting in the direction of her flat approximately two weeks later.
On the day of his court appearance, the Perth man – who has a history of previous prison sentences – admitted to charges of domestic violence and breaching bail.
Defence lawyer John Boyle stated that Cathro was seeking a custodial sentence.
He explained that his client had been using cocaine in the days prior and had stayed awake for several days.
Having been remanded in custody, Cathro had time to reflect on his actions and the relationship.
Sheriff Tim Niven-Smith addressed Cathro directly, stating, “You are either lacking insight or are thick about your offending.
You behaved like a beast and bully, forcing your way into her home and attacking her.” The court sentenced Cathro to 28 months in prison and imposed a decade-long non-harassment order.
