Former Glasgow soldier refused to call partner ambulance after assaulting her

Frank McFarland, 67, turned on Pauline Birney, 61, at their home in Castlemilk in March.

Published 5th Jul 2023

A former Glasgow solder who refused to call his partner an ambulance after assaulting her has been spared jail.

Frank McFarland, 67, turned on Pauline Birney, 61, at their home in Castlemilk on March 4 2023.

McFarland - an ex-member of the parachute regiment - kicked Pauline on the ribs after he threw her to the floor.

She cried out to call for an ambulance but McFarland initially said no and that she was "overreacting."

Help was eventually sought and Pauline was taken to hospital having suffered bruising to the rib area.

McFarland pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting Pauline to her injury.

The court heard that the pair were together drinking alcohol that night.

Prosecutor Ryan Watson said: "McFarland's mood changed at a point in the evening.

"He threw Pauline from the couch on to the floor.

"While on the floor, he kicked and stamped on her ribs.

"After he stopped, the victim asked repeatedly that he phone an ambulance.

"He refused and told her to stop overreacting."

McFarland later called an ambulance and Pauline told medics that he had assaulted her.

She was taken to hospital while McFarland was interviewed in custody.

He admitted kicking her ribs before being cautioned and charged.

Mr Watson told the court that Pauline suffered "bruising to her rib area."

Sheriff Mark McGuire, when sentencing McFarland, highlighted his military service.

In relation to the assault the sheriff stated to him: "How dare you?"

McFarland was tagged for 135 days keeping him indoors between 7pm and 7am.

He was also put under supervision for 12 months.

A non-harassment order restricting McFarland's contact with Pauline was granted for 12 months.