LINLITHGOW MAN RECEIVES PROBATION FOR ASSAULTING PARTNER AFTER DRUNKEN DISPUTE

A MAN who hit his partner on the face following a drunken argument has been placed on probation. Linlithgow Sheriff Court heard that Sean McIlroy and his former lover had clashed in the afternoon of June 26 this year. Later that evening McIlroy returned to her home following a drinking session and the argument continued. In the course of the disagreement McIlroy hit the victim on the side of her face, leaving her with bruising and swelling to her left eye. Police officers later traced McIlroy and the 21-year-old admitted he had hit her. He told officers that there was “no excuse for it”. Last week McIlroy, whose address was given as Auldhill Road, Linlithgow, pled guilty to the offence. His solicitor, Darryl Lovie, told the court his client had not had any direct contact with his partner, with whom he has a child, since the offence. Mr Lovie continued: “He is hopeful that the relationship could begin once again. I can not say that with any certainty though. “His previous conviction was non-domestic related. “He is committed to continue to provide for his family whether or not he is in a relationship.” Placing McIlroy on probation for two years and ordering him to carry out 100 hours of community service Sheriff Martin Edington said: “What is clear is you have previous convictions for assault and are assessed at a high level of reoffending. A prison sentence is almost inevitable. “Having said that I think you are at a stage where you would benefit from working with a social worker to educate you to stop offending.”