AN ALLOA man accused of assaulting his partner has been given leave by a court to go on holiday with her.

The 41-year-old made an application to Alloa Sheriff Court to revoke a special condition of his bail – that he could not attempt to contact or communicate with the complainer.

His bail stems from an outstanding allegation that on June 17 this year, he assaulted the woman by repeatedly seizing her by the neck, pulling her hair and biting her ear.

A second charge against him alleges that he, without reasonable excuse, recklessly destroyed the property at an address on Mull Court by pulling a light fitting from a ceiling, breaking a lamp, pulling a radiator off a wall, throwing a bike and throwing a vacuum.

Jim Savage, defending, told the court last Thursday that the complainer herself had sent a letter to the fiscal’s office outlining her own plea to have her partner’s bail restrictions removed.

The lawyer said: “On the face of it, this is a serious incident. I draw your attention to the fact that the accused is a first-time offender. This puts this in some kind of context.

“There is a detailed report and essentially this says that they have both had difficult times and drawn on each other’s mutual support.

“The complainer depends upon the accused when she is ill. Even the health visitor noted that the pair normally work well together.

“The accused advised me that he has engaged a psychologist from Resonate in Alloa, and where alcohol is concerned, he only drinks once or twice a year.

“He is taking this matter seriously and is taking the necessary steps to address the issues. This holiday is important for the family.”

In making his decision, Sheriff David Mackie said he placed a lot of weight on the complainer’s letter.

He said: “I’ve thought very carefully about this application. The report raises legitimate concerns.

“There are certain factors which were not known to the author of the social work reports, such as the accused engaging with Resonate. I have also considered the letter from the complainer.

“I take account that you have no previous convictions. A factor not taken account of in the report; however, is my concern that without this holiday, there could be a detrimental effect on the whole family.

“I will grant this application but will keep the condition that you are not allowed within the family home, which must remain a safe space for the complainer.”

The accused will re-appear for trial at Alloa Sheriff Court later in the year.