MONTROSE MAN WARNED AFTER PUNCHING GIRLFRIEND IN COURT OVER DOMESTIC DISPUTE
A court has heard how James Priestly responded to a slap from his partner by punching her in the face and asking, "How did you like it?".Priestly, 43, had caused a disturbance at his partner's house in Montrose last month.
The incident began when Priestly woke his girlfriend with an early morning argument in her garden.
The court heard that Priestly was shouting and swearing, accusing her of damaging his car and making him late for work.
Despite her attempts to calm him, the situation escalated.
Priestly then left and returned later, during which he told her in a threatening tone, "We’re over." The girlfriend reacted by slapping Priestly, prompting him to punch her in the face, after which he made the comment, "How did you like it?
Do you think it’s okay for you to slap me if I can’t punch you?".
Police attended the scene, and during their cautioning, Priestly admitted to assaulting her explicitly stating, "Yes, I did that, no problem, good to go.".
Priestly, of Brownlow Place, Montrose, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court where he admitted to charges of threatening behavior, offensive remarks, causing fear and alarm, and assault.
His defense counsel indicated that the couple was planning to reconcile, but Priestly challenged the Crown’s account of the incident.
The sheriff deferred sentencing by three months to allow Priestly to see his partner during this period, warning that any further issues could lead to a harsher sentence.
Priestly is scheduled to return to court on October 3, for sentencing, which may include a conviction for domestic assault.
