DONALD MACKIE SENTENCED IN BUCKHAVEN FOR BRUTAL ASSAULT ON PARTNER

A resident of Buckhaven, Donald Mackie, has been convicted and sentenced to six months in prison after admitting to a violent assault on his partner. The incident took place on October 11, 2020, in New Road, Kennoway, and the case was heard at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court before Sheriff Elizabeth McFarlane.

Donald Mackie, aged 31 and residing on West High Street in Buckhaven, appeared in court from custody to face charges related to a severe assault on a woman. Mackie pleaded guilty to repeatedly punching his partner in the head, an attack that caused her to fall to the ground. While she was on the floor, he continued his assault by punching her on the head and body, grabbing her by the hair, and forcefully pushing her. Additionally, on the same day and at the same location, he admitted to assaulting another woman by slapping her on the head.

The Procurator Fiscal Depute outlined that Mackie was under the influence of alcohol during the incident. The prosecutor explained that the altercation originated at a party, where Mackie’s behavior became increasingly aggressive. The depute stated, “He began to act in an antagonistic manner towards a woman. They walked home, and the verbal abuse continued there.”

According to the court proceedings, the victim attempted to leave the scene to retrieve toilet paper, but Mackie’s aggression escalated. The depute recounted, “He grabbed her, repeatedly hitting her on the face and body. She managed to leave to let him calm down.”

However, Mackie’s hostility persisted. When she returned, he shouted and swore at her, prompting her to instruct another person present to call the police. The depute added, “The accused squared up between them both.”

Further testimony revealed that Mackie continued shouting at the woman, grabbing her by the hair, and pushing her into walls, causing her to bang her head. Both women present at the scene sustained bruising to their faces, highlighting the violence of the attack.

During the hearing, Mackie’s defense lawyer acknowledged the reprehensible nature of his client’s actions, emphasizing that he was intoxicated at the time. The lawyer also mentioned that Mackie has been struggling with mental health issues and has been seeking treatment. He expressed hope that the relationship with the victim would continue and that Mackie might be able to move back in with her. The lawyer stated, “He is optimistic the relationship will continue and that he will be able to move back in with her. He says the relationship is a good one and appreciates a custodial sentence will be imposed here. He pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.”

Sheriff McFarlane addressed Mackie directly, describing his behavior as “atrocious” towards the woman. The court sentenced him to six months in prison, with the sentence to run consecutively with any existing incarceration, reflecting the seriousness of the assault and the need for accountability.