Hawick man who punched woman claims it was retaliation for her 'stabbing him in ear with kitchen knife'
Last updated 21st Oct 2024
A 42-year-old man has admitted punching his former partner in the face during a drunken argument at her home in Hawick earlier this month - after she shouted at him to leave.
But Michael Mulholland told police he was only retaliating after she stabbed him in the ear with a kitchen knife.
Officers were called to the property in Wellington Court on October the 2nd this year, after neighbours overheard the commotion.
At Jedburgh Sheriff Court today (Monday), India McLean, prosecuting, said the pair had been drinking together when the woman - who we're not naming - entered the room with a kitchen knife.
Mulholland's solicitor, Liam Alexander, explained his client had previously been the victim of a knife attack which left him in a coma - adding, his response was "an instantaneous reaction" to being attacked with a knife.
He said: "He said it was retaliation rather than defend himself from another attack."
READ MORE: Kelso man found with indecent images of girls as young as eight being abused following police sting
Mulholland pled guilty to a charge of assault to injury when he appeared in the dock.
Mr Alexander - who admitted it was a "bizarre situation" - went on to say that his client still wished to remain friends with the woman, but doesn't want to resume their relationship.
Sheriff Peter Paterson fined Mulholland a total of £420 and ordered him not to approach or contact, or attempt to approach or contact, her between the hours of 5pm and 10am for the next two years.
"This", he added, "reduces the risk of alcohol becoming involved."
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/