A MAN has been placed on a programme for domestic abusers despite claiming it would be a waste of taxpayer’s money.

Grant Mathieson appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court on Thursday, September 13, after pleading guilty to the assault at an earlier hearing.

The charge states that on May 26 of this year at Finglen Terrace, Tullibody, where the accused lives, Mathieson assaulted his former partner by seizing her on the body and pulling her from the doorway of the property.

The complaint was amended to remove an allegation that he placed her head under his arm to her injury.

A second charge of causing fear and alarm by uttering threats of violence was dropped.

At a previous hearing in August, Mathieson’s lawyer, Mr Ross, told the court that the criminal justice social work report contained areas of concern, particularly the “odd statement” that they were unable to “identify any protective factors”.

Mr Ross continued to say that the family of the accused are currently looking after the pair’s son and that the complainer was now living in Dunblane with her mother.

The defence lawyer went on to say that his client had “questioned whether the Caledonian Men’s Programme was a good use of council resources”, although he does accept that he abused his partner.

At the more recent hearing, Mr Ross echoed those thoughts, saying: “[His] position remains that his level of offending does not merit the expense of the Caledonian programme, although he is willing to engage if required.”

Mr Ross also detailed his concerns that the social work report was full of “inaccurate information” given to the social work department by the police and complainer.

The defence agent added that he was concerned that the complainer was being believed no matter what.

Sheriff David Mackie decided to sentence Mathieson to two years supervision with a requirement to undertake the Caledonian Men’s Programme, despite the concerns.

Reviews will take place to ascertain if the programme is working.