SERIAL DOMESTIC ABUSER RETURNS TO COURT FOR BEATING HIS EX-GIRLFRIEND
A serial domestic abuser was back in court yesterday for assaulting his ex-girlfriend, less than a week after being released from jail.Patrick O’Neill appeared from custody at Aberdeen Sheriff Court and admitted to assaulting Lorna Jane Groves on Saturday at an address in the city’s Papermill Gardens.
The court heard that O’Neill had already served an prison sentence for another assault on Miss Groves and was released on Thursday last week.
Despite his release, he only days later slapped her again, leaving her with a cut lip.
The fiscal depute Karen Dow expressed concern that neighbours overheard the incident and were worried about Miss Groves’ wellbeing.
Representing O’Neill, solicitor Graeme Morrison stated that both individuals were frequently involved in court cases against each other.
He described the incident on Saturday as "slap for slap" and mentioned that Miss Groves was the first to strike O’Neill.
Morrison added that O’Neill was determined that the relationship was over and did not plan to see his ex again, although he acknowledged that they tended to come back together often.
The court was told that a custodial sentence was likely, but Morrison requested reports before sentencing, citing a "deep seeded" problem that could potentially be addressed while O’Neill was at liberty.
Sheriff Christopher Shead ordered reports and granted bail with conditions that O’Neill not contact Miss Groves.
O’Neill, residing at 49 Middlefield Place, is scheduled to return to court next month.
