Denny man headbutted partner then told police he ‘didn’t know’ why

A man headbutted his partner following an argument — and then told police he didn’t know why he’d done so.
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James O’Malley (39) and the woman had been spending time with family and friends before the situation turned sour.

Appearing at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday, O’Malley, 20 Sutherland Drive, Denny, had pled guilty to assaulting his partner at his home by headbutting her head to her injury on January 18.

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Procurator fiscal depute Katie Cunningham said: “At 8.30pm, the complainer and the accused were at the locus drinking with friends and family.

“An argument escalated between the pair, resulting in the accused headbutting her to her injury.”

The procurator fiscal depute added: “When police arrived he admitted he had ‘stuck the nut’ into his fiancee and that he didn’t know what had happened for it to get to that point.

“She was treated by hospital staff and it was confirmed her nose had not been broken and that she didn’t have a serious injury.”

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His defence solicitor said O’Malley had been in a relationship with the woman for 14 years and the couple have a four-year-old child together.

The solicitor added that O’Malley is “deeply ashamed” of his behaviour that night, however, his partner remains supportive of him and insists it was an “isolated incident”.

The court also heard the woman told O’Malley’s solicitor he has post-traumatic stress disorder.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton was asked by the solicitor to defer for a lengthy period “with a view to a more lenient disposal”.

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Noting O’Malley’s last conviction was for assault, Sheriff Hamilton said: “Headbutting your partner would normally land you in jail.”

However, he acknowledged the circumstances and his personal background and instead ordered O’Malley to complete 160 hours of unpaid work within 12 months.

A non-harassment order was not enforced as it was not sought by the complainer.