Man threw bottles at wife and threatened to kill her

A man has admitted assaults against his wife which, in one incident, saw him throw bottles at her.

Sentence was deferred on Karl Michael John Maguire when he appeared in the dock at Lerwick Sheriff Court.

Maguire, of Reafirth, Mid Yell, admitted throwing bottles at his victim on New Year’s Eve in 2011. He held a knife, or similar instrument to her, while threatening to kill her.

He also admitted grabbing her head and striking her head against a wall on or between 1st January 2014 to 31st March 2014.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said drink had been involved during the first offence. The couple had been visiting neighbours but left after an argument developed.

That argument continued when they arrived home, which ended with Maguire throwing the bottles at her, although she was able to duck away from them.

The woman’s 14-year-old daughter was present at the time. But the court heard that the couple remained together.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said Maguire had attended anger management and marriage counselling and had a number of health issues.

But sheriff Philip Mann warned Maguire: “These are serious charges – despite the fact that you remain together with your wife, and despite the fact that she is supportive and despite the fact the incident happened some time ago, they remain serious charges, and have to be dealt with on that basis.”

Calling for a social work report, he bailed Maguire until 6th July.