DUNDEE MAN WARNED OF JAIL AFTER KNIFE ATTACK ON GIRLFRIEND
A man who threw a knife at his frightened girlfriend has been issued a warning that he will face imprisonment unless he complies with a community payback order.Nathan Edwards cited alcohol as the reason for his behavior during an assault at his girlfriend’s apartment in the city, during which he threatened to slit her throat and accused her of infidelity.
The 21-year-old also physically assaulted his partner by choking her in the incident that took place in June last year.
At Dundee Sheriff Court, Edwards was sentenced to a high tariff community payback order after confessing to the assault late last year.
He had been remanded after his guilty plea and was ordered to do 300 hours of unpaid work within one year.
He also received a two-year supervision order and was instructed not to approach or attempt to contact his victim within that period.
Furthermore, he was subjected to a restriction of liberty order mandating he stay at his home from 8pm to 6am over the next eight months.
A follow-up court hearing is scheduled in two months.
Solicitor Jim Laverty stated that Edwards showed remorse for his actions.
Sheriff Keith O’Mahony explained that community-based sentences can have societal benefits and described the order as a serious alternative to jail, warning Edwards that any breach of the terms would result in custody.
The court was informed that the victim had attempted to defend herself by throwing a cans of alcohol at Edwards.
The incident stemmed from a disagreement over the wrong amount of money used to buy alcohol, which escalated into violence.
Edwards admitted to a series of violent acts on June 24, including straddling the woman on a sofa, grabbing her by the neck, restricting her breathing, pulling her hair, dragging her into a living room, threatening her with a knife, physically stopping her from leaving, choking her with both hands, and throwing another knife.
He also admitted to breaching bail conditions on September 29.
