JOHN MACAULAY FROM WICK INVOLVED IN BRUTAL DOMESTIC ASSAULT IN INVERNESS

A man identified as John Macaulay, hailing from Wick, was involved in a violent domestic assault following a trip to Inverness. The incident occurred after Macaulay, 34 years old, traveled to the city with his partner to attend a pantomime performance. According to reports presented at Inverness Sheriff Court, Macaulay subjected his partner to a vicious attack that left her fleeing their hotel room in distress.

Details revealed that Macaulay and the woman had been in a relationship for approximately three months prior to the incident. The couple had traveled to Inverness on December 21 of the previous year, planning to spend a few days together. They booked accommodation at The Columba Hotel, located on Ness Walk, where the events unfolded. After attending the pantomime, the pair returned to their hotel room, but what was supposed to be a pleasant evening turned violent.

During an argument that erupted inside the hotel room, Macaulay launched a physical assault on his partner. Witnesses and court reports indicate that he punched her multiple times—specifically, three or four more blows to her back and leg—causing her noticeable injury. The woman was so distressed by the attack that she started crying and ran out of the room, screaming for help. The assault resulted in her sustaining a lump on her head and minor redness on her leg, injuries that were documented during the court proceedings.

The fiscal depute, Victoria Silver, described the incident in court, emphasizing the severity of the assault. She stated, “He has then punched her three or four more times to the back and the leg to her slight injury, causing her to start crying and run out of the locus screaming.” The court was also informed that the woman managed to escape the scene, seeking safety outside the hotel.

In court, Macaulay admitted to a single charge of domestic assault. His defense solicitor, Mhyrin Hill, acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, describing it as “a nasty incident” and emphasizing her client’s remorse. Hill also pointed out that alcohol consumption had played a role in escalating the situation, and that Macaulay, a self-employed digger driver, was genuinely remorseful for his actions.

However, the court noted that this was not Macaulay’s first domestic incident. Sheriff Sara Matheson highlighted that this case represented an escalation from previous behavior. She ordered a criminal justice social work report and an assessment for the Caledonian Men’s Programme, which is designed for domestic offenders, to be prepared before the sentencing hearing scheduled for the following month.

As part of the bail conditions, Macaulay, who resides at Breadalbane Terrace in Wick, was released on bail. He is prohibited from approaching or contacting his victim, and the court emphasized the seriousness of the matter, given the history of domestic issues involving the defendant.