A 37-year-old Inverness man who threatened to stab his ex-partner in the eyes appeared for sentence yesterday.
A background report was instructed by Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood who heard brief details last month about the abuse Martin Stewart directed at Diane Holmes at a property in Walker Crescent.
He admitted abusive and threatening behaviour while on bail.
Inverness Sheriff Court was told that Stewart, of Kintail Crescent, waited for Ms Holmes to return to her home on October 11 last year.
Fiscal depute Rowena Carlton said that the three and a half year relationship between them had ended a few months previously and Ms Holmes asked Stewart to leave.
Ms Carlton added: “They began to argue, he shouted and swore at her before grabbing her by the neck. She phoned the police and during the 999 call, Stewart could be heard: ‘I could have stabbed you in the eyes.’ He also threatened to kill her.”
Defence agent John MacColl said that social workers had ruled out a community payback order because Stewart had previously been medically assessed as being unfit for work due to epilepsy.
“That leaves only one option of custody but he tells me he is fit to do unpaid work.”
The solicitor asked that an up to date medical report be obtained before proceeding to sentence.
Sheriff Fleetwood deferred sentence until March 22 for medical certification on his fitness or otherwise to do work.
“Given his record, he is standing at the door of Porterfield.” the Sheriff said.
