A CLACKMANNAN man has narrowly avoided a prison sentence after he admitted assaulting his partner.

Craig Paterson appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court last Thursday for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to the assault of his partner and a separate assault on a 15-year-old girl.

On February 18, Paterson, while at an address in Clackmannan, assaulted the woman by repeatedly seizing her by the neck, throwing her to the ground, punching her on the head and kicking her on the body.

That same day, he assaulted the teenager by seizing her by the body and repeatedly pushing her on the body.

Paterson’s defence lawyer, Jim Savage, told the court that the 44-year-old has “no recollection of the incident” and that the complainer, who was in the courtroom with him, was supporting him.

Mr Savage also said that Paterson had “abstained completely from alcohol” since the night of the attack.

Sheriff David Mackie told Paterson, of Mannan Drive, said the offence merited a custodial sentence but added that he was pleased to see Paterson had addressed his alcohol misuse by himself.

He sentenced him to two years of supervision and a requirement to enrol on the Caledonian Men’s Programme.