Jail for bully who punched partner after booze binge

Shamed Calum Lennon was already on bail with the added condition he stay away from his long-term partner when he assaulted her in their home on April 10.

Falkirk Sheriff Court heard last Thursday that the 32-year-old grabbed Julie Graham by the hair and punched her on the head.

The court was told Lennon had been drinking throughout the day while he watched the football in the house at 4 Goosedubs Place, Falkirk, and then became aggressive.

When she went upstairs, intending to pack her bags and leave, he followed her into the bedroom, grabbed her, pulled her and punched her.

She managed to break away and reach the bathroom before calling a friend for help, but when she left the bathroom there was another struggle.

When her friend arrived, they managed to get away.

Police were then contacted and Lennon was traced and arrested. When he appeared at court on April 19 he was remanded in custody for background reports.

Defence lawyer Martin Morrow claimed: “This relationship has been fraught with difficulties, but they are still together.”

Lennon was also subject to a community payback order at the time of the attack which included him attending a domestic abuse programme.

Mr Morrow urged that be allowed to continue.

He said: “He is over halfway through that and being allowed to complete it could make a difference. If he does not co-operate he knows he could face a lengthy period in custody.”

Sheriff Derek Livingston said the couple “may be their own worst enemies”.

He told Lennon: “This was a serious assault exasperated by the fact you were on bail at the time and told not to contact her. I also note your this is your sixth conviction for domestic abuse.”

The sheriff backdated Lennon’s prison sentence to the date of his last appearance.

He also revoked the community payback order and replaced it with a supervised order which will run for one year with the added condition he attend the Caledonian Programme which works with men with a history of violence towards their partner.

On his release, Lennon will also be subject to a non-harassment order which will require him to stay away from Ms Graham for one year.