Shocked neighbours watched man choke his terrified partner in Larkhall street

Shocked Neighbours Witness Man Choking Terrified Partner in Larkhall Street

Shocked neighbours in Larkhall witnessed a distressing scene as a man was seen choking his terrified partner in a public street. William Macauley, 37, was handed a 16-month jail sentence for subjecting the woman to what was described as a “horrendous” experience. The incident took place outside the woman’s residence on Riverside Road on May 10. Macauley had been on bail for another offence at the time.

During the court proceedings at Hamilton Sheriff Court, Neil Thomson, the prosecutor, detailed that the couple had been in an on-off relationship for four years. The altercation unfolded around 1:30 am with witnesses in nearby houses overhearing a heated exchange between the pair. Macauley was seen grabbing the woman by the neck and choking her while pushing her against a garden fence. Despite her pleas, he eventually let go, leading the woman to scream at him to leave. Concerned witnesses contacted the police, who found the woman intoxicated, upset, and with red marks on her neck. However, she did not fully cooperate with the police investigation.

In his defence, Macauley’s lawyer, Scott Jones, stated that his client takes full responsibility for his actions and expresses regret for the distress he caused the woman. Sheriff Louise Gallacher, noting Macauley’s history of violence, deemed a custodial sentence necessary. The 16-month sentence was backdated to May when Macauley was first taken into custody. Sheriff Gallacher also imposed a five-year non-harassment order, considering the profound impact on the victim and the end of the couple’s relationship.

In summary, the harrowing incident highlights the prevalence of domestic violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased awareness and support for victims of such abuse in our communities. The legal repercussions faced by Macauley illustrate the seriousness with which such crimes are taken by the justice system.