A woman suffered a fractured skull when she was attacked by her cousin outside the victim’s home.
Robert Aiton, 35, of Silverburn Crescent, Newarthill, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.
He admitted assaulting Mary Donachie to her severe injury in Keir Hardie Avenue, Holytown, on October 14, 2018.
Neil Thomson, prosecuting, said the incident happened in the early hours of the morning.
He stated: “Ms Donachie and her partner had been visiting another house in Holytown.
“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.”
He added: “Clearly something has pre-dated this assault, but the details are not known.”
Sheriff Daniel Kelly deferred sentence until next month for a criminal justice social work report.
The sheriff also requested information on the impact the skull fracture has had on Ms Donachie.
Aiton had his bail continued.
