Fife man escapes jail after drug-fuelled domestic assault

FIFE MAN ESCAPES JAIL AFTER DRUG-FUELLED DOMESTIC ASSAULT

A Fife man who launched a drug-fuelled attack on his partner before holding her face in a pool of water has escaped being jailed.

Darren McCole appeared from custody at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court and was given a two-year supervision order.

The 43-year-old attacked the woman, who cannot be named, at an address in Urquhart Crescent, Dunfermline, on November 24 last year.

The thug, who was out on licence for a previous conviction, repeatedly punched her on the head and body.

He then stuck his fingers in her mouth and dragged her before seizing her by the hair, body, and head.

McCole, previously jailed for trafficking class A drugs, then repeatedly spat on the woman's face and in her mouth.

He also grabbed her by the legs and dragged her across the ground to her injury.

The court was told the attack happened after McCole had been ingesting substances and reacted to a "particular situation." Defence solicitor Mr.

Morrison noted the victim admitted she could be "a little difficult at times." He stated, "I appreciate Mr.

McCole has a bad record but there is only one previous domestic matter for which he was admonished." McCole was remanded in custody at Perth prison for the latest assault on November 28.

Sheriff William Gilchrist decided not to refer the breach of the release licence back to the High Court, as only a "very small unexpired portion." He added, "This is a serious offence but I will follow the recommendation from the report.

If you fail to complete the supervision order, you will be brought back to the court."