Jailed following Falkirk Valentine's Day horror attack

Michael Murray (32), Castings Avenue, Falkirk, also kicked out at a 12-year-old girl who tried to intervene and shouted “I'll murder yous”.

Appearing from custody at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Thursday via video link, Murray pled guilty to the assaults he committed at an address in Woodburn Street, Falkirk on February 14.

Lindsey Brooks, procurator fiscal depute, said the incident began after Murray and the woman had been drinking wine together.

She added: “Everything seemed fine initially but then he began arguing with her about previous incidents. He was abusive towards her, calling her a fat cow and a fat slag. On hearing

this a 12-year-old girl, who was in the house, came down to see what the commotion was about.

“She was asking him to calm down.”

Murray was by this time “visibly agitated” and was shouting “I'll murder yous” at both the woman and the child.

The depute fiscal said Murray was holding a young baby, who was also present during the incident.

Still holding the baby, he grabbed the woman by the throat.

The procurator fiscal depute said: “He choked her for a few seconds while also aiming kicks at the 12-year-old child at the same time. He then let go of her and she bit him in an attempt to get hold of the baby he was holding.”

Still holding the baby, he aimed “further punches” at both the 12-year-old and the woman.

Mrs Brooks said: “He was holding the baby while aiming he blows. Both the victims, the woman and the 12-year-old, were punched in the eye and there was concern about the baby.”

The court heard the incident lasted 15 minutes and ended with the victims – who were left with redness and soreness – “very upset”.

They left the living room where the attack had occurred, and contacted police.

Defence solicitor Stephen Biggam said Murray had turned to alcohol and drugs to “numb the pressure” after losing his job. What happened in the house with the woman and the child does him no justice at all.”

Sheriff Derek Livingston intervened: “You mean it does him no credit. Justice is coming.”

He jailed Murray for 14 months, imposed a two-year non-harassment order forbidding him from approaching or contacting his victims for two years, and placed him under social work supervision for three years.

He told Murray: “You assaulted two females in a domestic scenario while there was a baby there in danger as well. There is no alternative to custody.”