Partner punched woman in face whilst she was driving to Kincraig

A woman was attacked by her drunk partner as she drove him back to a strath hotel to meet friends.

Inverness Sheriff Court heard that 55 year old Duncan Mackenzie of Assynt Road, Inverness, punched the woman on the face and arm and tried to get control of the steering wheel.

The assault occurred on May 1, 2022, on a journey between the Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore and Kincraig House.

Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood was told by fiscal depute Emily Hood that Mackenzie had gone to the Aviemore bar after attending a football match and was intoxicated.

The accused got into her car and became abusive towards her and accused her of infidelity, Ms Hood said.

"He punched her on the face and arm while the car was in motion. She tried to avoid them but he attempted to grab hold of the steering wheel, causing her to slow down.

"She managed to stop and exited the vehicle but he continued to punch her on the back and stomach, shouting at her and calling her a whore." Ms Hood went on.

She added that they both got back in the car and returned to Kincraig House where his demeanour changed and told friends that there was no excuse for his behaviour and he had "f...ed everything up".

Mackenzie admitted assaulting the woman to her injury and danger of life on the B9152 between Aveimore and Kincraig as well as previous convictions.

Sentence was deferred until May 14 for a background report and an assessment for a male domestic abusers rehabilitation programme.

But Sheriff Fleetwood warned him: "Given your record, I wouldn't make too many plans for dates thereafter."