ANGUS MAN JAILED FOR ASSAULT THAT BROKE EX-PARTNER’S HAND
A violent Angus man who caused injuries to his ex-partner’s hand by breaking two bones has been sentenced to jail.John Nelson, 44 years old, admitted to assaulting his former partner in Arbroath on April 27, 2021, during a heated argument.
The incident occurred in the early hours when Nelson, who has a known history of violent behavior, pushed the victim against a refuse bin, causing her to fall and injure her hand.
He then grabbed and twisted her right hand, leading to two fractures.
Nelson appeared at Perth Sheriff Court in March and pled guilty to the assault.
He was subsequently sentenced to 19 months in prison, a sentence that was backdated to his initial remand in May 2021.
The sheriff commented that only a custodial sentence was appropriate considering the severity of the injury.
Nelson’s solicitor noted that this was the longest time he had spent in custody, mentioning lockdowns and his COVID-19 illness.
The court heard that Nelson and the victim had a tumultuous, on-and-off relationship that lasted about eight months.
They often argued and separated but then got back together.
The lawyer described the relationship as turbulent, especially as the victim had informed Nelson she was starting a relationship with his friend.
During the incident, the victim reported that Nelson pushed her onto her body, causing her to contact a refuse bin and fall, after which she again suffered injury when her mouth hit the pavement.
Police responded to the scene, found her in the street, and confirmed she had broken fingers, which was later confirmed by X-ray.
Nelson initially told officers that he pushed her to defend himself after she allegedly cut him with a screwdriver.
The court proceedings also referenced a previous hearing, where the relationship problems and the incident details were discussed, emphasizing Nelson’s violent history and the serious injury inflicted.
