Inverness domestic abuser throttled former partner
A man found guilty of domestic abuse has been told to change his attitude towards women and attend a programme designed to rehabilitate and educate him.
James Newlands (23), of Kessock Road, Inverness, had been found guilty after a jury trial at Inverness Sheriff Court last month of a course of domestic abuse to the danger of his then partner's life when he throttled her unconscious.
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Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald heard that the offence took place between April 1, 2019 and November 29, 2022 with other conduct including screaming and shouting, and trying to force the woman to rekindle their relationship.
He was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid community work, placed under two years of social work supervision and instructed to take part in the Caledonia Men's Programme which addresses domestic abuse.
Sheriff Macdonald told him: "You were a young man when this took place and you are still a young man.
"Your behaviour was appalling and the damage you caused your partner was significant. I could easily send you to jail.
"But I think you are desperately in need of some rehabilitation and punishment so you don't behave like this again in any relationship going forward. It is dangerous and you need to change your attitude.
"This is your opportunity. If you fail in any small part, you will come back here and I will have no hesitation to send you to jail."
