A brute with an “appalling” record for domestic abuse has been jailed again after being told the courts will not condone his “bullying and abusive” behaviour.
David Russell’s victim managed to text her mother with a plea for help while she was being attacked.
Russell, 35, admitted assaulting his partner at her home in Kerr Crescent, Hamilton, on December 12.
It included choking her with his hands.
Last year Russell was jailed after putting a piece of fabric around her neck and pulling it tight.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard this week that the couple had been in an on-off relationship for 22 years.
Neil Thomson, prosecuting, said: “At the time of this assault their relationship had been rekindled.
“Things took a turn for the worse around 2pm as Russell began to act aggressively, kicking the woman on the stomach.
“He then punched her on the head and body before seizing her by the throat and applying pressure. Her breathing was restricted for a period.
“She had a mobile phone close to her and during the attack she was able to send her mother a text message that read simply ‘Help me’.
“She lives nearby and arrived at the house to find the woman crying uncontrollably.
“Her mother described the accused as acting erratically. He kept repeating ‘It was only an argument’.
“Police officers attended. They said the victim was extremely distressed and gasping for breath.
“She had a large bruise and a bump on the middle of her forehead.”
Defence lawyer Gregor Jarrott conceded it was a “particularly serious” case, given Russell’s history of violence towards his partner.
The solicitor added: “He has been in custody since December and has used his time positively, getting qualifications and tackling his alcohol and mental health issues.”
Sheriff Colin Dunipace jailed Russell for two years, backdated to December 14, and imposed a five-year non-harassment order.
He told the accused: “You have an appalling record for domestic violence.
“It’s of extreme concern that this is your third time on indictment for assaulting this lady.
“The courts are not prepared to accept this type of bullying and abusive behaviour perpetrated by males on females.”
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