A domestic abuser who assaulted two former partners has avoided a prison sentence despite harming a third woman.
Former junior footballer Christon Mackie appeared in court after he pleaded guilty during trial to assaulting his partner by pouring ketchup over her head and trying to force his fingers into her nose, mouth and throat.
The 33-year-old then shoved the woman into a shower fully clothed and turned the water on.
Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard that during the struggle the woman attempted to escape the property as Mackie tried to drag her back inside.
Mackie was jailed for six years over a brutal assault that cost a promising rugby player his eye in 2010.
After his release, he was then returned to prison after he carried out a terrifying campaign of abuse against his then-girlfriend and assaulted a second woman.
Accused pursued woman and tried to drag her back inside home
During this most recent domestic attack, on November 13 last year, Mackie came home from the pub before setting upon the woman at an address in Cove.
He poured a bottle of tomato ketchup over her head, seized her by the neck and forced his fingers into her nose and down her throat.
Mackie then grabbed the woman by her clothing and forced her into a running shower.
As she tried to make an escape, Mackie pursued her and attempted to drag her back into the property – causing further injury.
Mackie pleaded guilty to one charge of assault.
‘Very serious record for violence’
Defence agent Liam Mcallister described his client’s actions as “appalling”.
“He has displayed violence in the past towards women, Mr Mackie does not want this to continue and he does not want this to happen again,” Mr Mcallister said.
“On the whole, there has been a positive attitude change in Mr Mackie – an attitude that I’m afraid was not displayed previously.
“It’s just sad that it’s had to get to this extent.”
Mr Mcallister also pointed out that Mackie was willing to take part in a domestic abuse course and his victim – who was present in court – had forgiven him and wanted to “remain friends”.
Sheriff Ian Wallace told Mackie that he had a “very serious record for violence and domestic offending”.
He added: “However, I do take account of the period that you have spent in custody.
“At this stage the focus can be preventing future offending, protecting the public and protecting other females from your offending.”
As an alternative to a prison sentence, Sheriff Ian Wallace ordered Mackie to take part in a two-year domestic abuse programme and sentenced him to a community payback order with supervision for two years.
Mackie, whose address was given as HMP Grampian, must also carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.
Sheriff Wallace also put a non-harassment order in place, meaning Mackie cannot approach his former partner for one year.
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