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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Lanarkshire Live

Lanarkshire abuse victim hid in bathroom as ex said he'd rip her head off'

An East Kilbride domestic abuse victim locked herself in the bathroom for an hour to get away from her violent partner.

The woman suffered a broken wrist after an assault by Michael Docherty who also threatened to "rip her head off".

Docherty, 23, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.

He admitted subjecting the woman to abusive conduct and assaulting her at their home in Owen Park between August and December 2020.

Jennifer Cunningham, prosecuting, said the couple moved into the flat in July that year, but Docherty was soon subjecting his partner to verbal abuse "on a daily basis".

She told the court: "He would get angry and go on rampages.

"On one occasion Docherty was complaining about the mess of the property.

"She was holding her laptop computer and he pushed her from behind, causing her to fall.

"As a result she sustained a fractured wrist and had to wear a cast for six to eight weeks.

"Docherty sent her numerous texts, apologising, but his abusive behaviour continued.

"He would scream at her and threatened to rip her head off."

In October 2020, Docherty grabbed his partner "forcibly" by the neck during a row, causing bruising.

Then, in December, after another argument, ahw told him she wanted a break from their relationship.

Docherty flew into a rage and she locked herself in the bathroom for an hour while he banged on the door and threatened to "take it off its hinges".

She again sought refuge in the bathroom after a similar incident a few days later before contacting the police.

Docherty, a joiner, has no previous convictions.

Defence agent Ross Yuill said there has been no contact between the parties since December 2020 and the relationship is over.

The solicitor added: "My client's conduct is linked to significant childhood trauma that has resulted in marked mental health difficulties and self-medicated use of cannabis.

"He has behaved very poorly.

"He describes feelings of depression, anxiety and anger."

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre deferred sentence until next month for a criminal justice social work report.

Docherty had his bail continued.

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