SERIAL DOMESTIC ABUSER JAILED FOR SEVEN YEARS
A serial domestic abuser has been jailed for seven years after striking his partner on the neck with a knife.John Dempsey was initially charged with attempting to murder Catherine Wallace at a house in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, on 7 April 2012.
The 49-year-old was convicted of the lesser charge of assault causing severe injury and permanent disfigurement.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard that this was Dempsey's fourth conviction involving Ms Wallace.
Judge Lord Boyd of Duncansby sentenced him, stating: "It is clear alcohol played a very considerable part in your life and is one of the drivers in your offending." Lord Boyd also mentioned that Dempsey would have faced a lifelong restriction order but was assessed by a psychiatrist as posing a medium risk of serious harm.
As a result, Dempsey was ordered to be kept under supervision for an additional eight years under an extended sentence.
