PERTHSHIRE MAN JAILED FOR BRUTAL ATTACK ON EX-GIRLFRIEND
A mother-of-five was described as being "fortunate" to survive a brutal assault carried out by her ex-partner, Tommy Doyle.Doyle, aged 41, was sentenced to three years imprisonment for "terrorising" Miss N at her "safe house" in Crieff, Perthshire.
The court heard that Doyle tracked her down on Valentine’s Day last year, forcibly entered her home, and brutally attacked her with a wooden pole.
Miss N, a 31-year-old mother, was later discovered by police lying in a pool of blood with a severe head wound exposing her skull.
Perth Sheriff Court was told that Miss N, who had moved to Perthshire to escape an abusive relationship, had previously been cleared of the murder of Annalise Johnstone in 2019.
During the court session, Sheriff Euan Duthie condemned the attack as "abhorrent," emphasizing that Doyle had forced his way into Miss N’ house, terrorized her, and inflicted a significant head injury that nearly proved fatal.
Her injuries included a three-inch laceration to her head through which her skull was visible, and she was found in a foetal position after the attack.
Doyle’s actions also included threatening behavior and racist remarks directed at police.
He admitted to striking Miss N with a wooden pole, rendering her unconscious, and kicking her, leading to severe injuries such as a broken arm and head injuries requiring hospital treatment.
Doyle claimed before the court that he had been affected by alcohol and medication during the incident and expressed remorse for his actions.
He was given a three-year sentence, with a mandatory 12-month supervised release to follow.
Doyle’s crimes occurred after he and Miss N ended their relationship in October 2020, with her having moved into a refuge before settling in Crieff.
The court proceedings highlighted Doyle’s prior history, including a failed murder trial related to the death of Annalise Johnstone, a 22-year-old who was murdered near Dunning, an incident for which Miss N was cleared of involvement after a lengthy investigation.
The assault on Miss N was a violent culmination of an abusive relationship and Doyle’s subsequent criminal behavior, leaving her severely injured but alive and with a chance for recovery.
