Falkirk man tackled partner to floor and raided pockets for borrowed money

Brian Keir, 44, 14 Castings Avenue, Falkirk, admitted assaulting the woman at an address in Larbert on February 20.

He also pleaded guilty to demanding money from her, seizing her body and searching her with intent to rob, while on bail.

Last Thursday, Falkirk Sheriff Court was told Keir and the woman had been in a relationship for around 15 years and had one child together.

The pair had been drinking alcohol within their home when matters got out of hand.

Procurator fiscal depute India MacLean said: “They had recently been having financial issues and because of this the complainer visited a neighbour to ask for more money.

“Around midnight, she returned to the home and a verbal argument occurred between her and the accused. He began shouting, ‘Give me the money’.

“The accused then tackled the witness, put her on the floor face down and started going through her pockets for the money. She then ran out the flat and phoned police.

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“Police attended and traced him in a nearby block of flats. He was taken to Falkirk Police Station, cautioned and charged and made no reply.”

His defence solicitor said Keir had “only one other domestic matter” and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

The solicitor told Sheriff Derek Hamilton his client had long-term addiction issues, adding: “The parties had been having problems for some time.

“I spoke to the complainer. She’s a highly intelligent individual – a scientist by training. She has supported him.

“He decided to get out the family home and put himself in homeless accommodation.

“He seems to have improved physically and is accepting the help being offered by others around him.

“The complainer confirmed she feels it’s better if they have time apart to concentrate on their own issues.

“The motivation isn’t financial. The parties had been rowing.”

The court was told the victim changed her mind about borrowing the money and Keir feared the “situation would escalate” if the cash wasn’t returned.

Sheriff Hamilton said: “Clearly you need some assistance.”

Keir will be supervised for two years.

He was also made subject to a one-month, 6pm-6am restriction of liberty order.

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