Johnstone woman admits attacking duo in corridor outside courtroom

The woman, who can’t be named for legal reasons, lashed out at her former partner of five years, who also can’t be identified, in front of lawyers, police officers and members of the public.

She also assaulted the man’s new partner, with both attacks taking place in a corridor at Paisley Sheriff Court last week.

The man was due to go on trial minutes after the attacks, charged with a number of offences, including behaving in a threatening or abusive way towards her and assaulting her.

However, the 26-year-old woman ended up being detained by police and was unable to give evidence.

Prosecutors adjourned the case against her ex-partner until later this year.

Meanwhile, the woman appeared handcuffed in the dock to face three charges – assaulting him by punching his head, assaulting his new partner by spitting on her and behaving in a threatening or abusive way by shouting, swearing and threatening violence.

She struck a deal with prosecutors which saw her admit the assaults, in exchange for the threatening or abusive behaviour charge being dropped.

Defence solicitor Gordon Nicol said his client had lashed out on the day in question as she was concerned she was being followed by her former partner.

“She was at court as a witness, to give evidence against him,” added Mr Nicol.

“He was following her and she reacted.”

Mr Nicol said it was her position that, as she was walked past the courtroom, his former partner made a “pretty derogatory” remark to her and she had responded to that.

Sheriff Lindsey Kooner opted to adjourn matters for background reports to be prepared ahead of sentencing, without hearing the full facts of the case from the prosecution.

Special bail conditions were imposed which ban the woman from approaching or contacting her ex or his new partner in any way.

She will return to the dock next month to learn her fate.

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