A Newarthill dad of two has been jailed for two years after assaulting his female cousin and leaving her with a fractured skull.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard there was “bad blood” in the extended family.
Robert Aiton had “tried to stop his sister doing something stupid” and ended up in the dock himself.
The 35-year-old, of Silverburn Crescent, admitted assaulting his cousin to her severe injury outside her home in Keir Hardie Avenue, Holytown, in October 2018.
Neil Thomson, prosecuting, said the incident happened in the early hours of the morning.
He told the court that the woman and her partner had been visiting another house in Holytown, adding: “They made their way home and became aware of the accused standing at a neighbour’s door.
“A scuffle appears to have taken place and Aiton punched his cousin twice on the face, causing her to fall to the ground.
“He then left the scene and got into a nearby car.”
The victim was taken to University Hospital Wishaw where a fracture to her skull was diagnosed.
She also needed stitches in a small head wound
Mr Thomson told the court: “The fracture was reviewed by neurosurgical experts and, fortunately, no further treatment or follow-up action was required.”
Defence agent Gavin Lawson said Aiton was “deeply ashamed” of his conduct and “bitterly regrets” the consequences.
He said the victim and her daughter had been ejected from a pub hours earlier after an incident involving Aiton’s sister.
Aiton heard that his sister had then received messages via social media and feared she would go to their cousin’s home.
Mr Lawson told the court: “He went there to prevent her doing something stupid, but instead of that he became involved in a confrontation.
“Clearly there is bad blood within the extended family, but my client’s behaviour was out of character.
“He has no convictions for crimes of violence and I submit this was a one-off.
“He has not come to the attention of the police since this incident in 2018.”
Sheriff Daniel Kelly said it was “extremely unfortunate” when such incidents involved family members.
A victim impact statement made clear the “significant” effect the assault has had on the victim.
The sheriff told Aiton: “When someone ends up with a fractured skull, a custodial sentence will be imposed.”
Aiton was also handed a non-harassment order, banning him from any contact with his cousin for three years.
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