Widow attacked in home
A widow was assaulted by a friend of her late husband while seeing another man, Haddington Sheriff Court heard last week.
Laura Coutts was punched on the head three times by James Cordiner after he confronted her new partner.
When he appeared before Sheriff Peter Braid on Wednesday, Cordiner (37), 23 Monkmains Road, Haddington, had his case adjourned for background reports.
He admitted assaulting Ms Coutts to her injury by punching her repeatedly on the head at her home on January 13.
Depute Fiscal Alison Innes said the accused lived only a few doors away from the complainer, his friend’s widow.
She said Ms Coutts was at home watching television with her new partner when she received a text message from Cordiner.
Her partner responded, asking the accused to stop hassling her, but another text was received.
A couple of hours later, at 12.45am, the pair became aware of someone at the front door, followed by a knock at the livingroom window.
“Her partner went to the door and in an attempt to stop something happening between her partner and the accused she got herself in the way,” said Ms Innes.
“The accused punched her three times, causing slight swelling to her left cheek and forehead.”
The court heard the police were called and Ms Coutts did not need medical attention.
When officers went to Cordiner’s door there was no answer and he was arrested a few days later.
Sheriff Braid said it was an unusual case. He told the accused he would need background reports to decide how best to deal with him.
The case was adjourned until March 6 for a social work report and a restriction of liberty assessment.
Cordiner was granted bail with a special condition preventing him from approaching or contacting Ms Coutts.
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Wednesday 22 May 2013
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