A THUG who stamped on his partner's head so hard he left the imprint of his shoe on her face has been jailed.

Greaeme McCreadie, 34, attacked his partner of five years after the pair brought in the new year drinking Buckfast.

Falkirk Sheriff Court heard the incident occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2021, at the complainer's home at Maple Court, Alloa.

Recounting the circumstances of the assault, prosecutor Cheryl Clark said the woman had been in bed she became concerned about the volume of the music that McCreadie was listening to in the living room.

Ms Clark said: "She thought it might disturb the neighbours and asked him to turn it off.

"He became angry and started to push and shove her.

"She asked him to leave, he refused, was verbally abusive towards her.

"He struck her on the face, causing her left eye to bruise.

"She was unsure if it was a headbutt or a punch."

Shouting, "It's nothing you dinae deserve" McCreadie then stamped on her head after she fell to the floor as a consequence of the initial blow.

The complainer retreated to her bedroom and barricaded the door with a wardrobe, but couldn't call police as McCreadie had hidden her mobile.

Ms Clark, the depute fiscal, said when McCreadie saw her the next day he started "sniggering" and said: "What happened to your eye? Oh aye, it was me".

The woman eventually managed to grab her keys and leave.

She did then call police, who noted she had significant bruising and swelling to the left side of her face jaw and ear, and "a specific pattern of bruising which was similar to a rubber tread on shoes".

Ms Clark said: "It was later analysed and found to match that of the shoes that the accused was wearing when he was arrested."

A photograph of the complainer's face showing the pattern of McCreadie's shoe was produced in court.

McCreadie, of Glasgow, pleaded guilty to assaulting the woman to her injury.

Solicitor Ross Brown, defending, said: "It was New Year and he permitted himself licence to abuse alcohol, street Valium and heroin, and it was a very potent cocktail.

"He is deeply ashamed.

"When sober he presents as a polite individual."

Sheriff Jamie Gilchrist QC jailed McCreadie for 18 months, and imposed a non harassment order preventing him from contacting the woman for two years.

He said: "Any assault involving stamping on somebody's head is going to be treated by the court as a very serious matter."

Anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse in the Wee County can access help by contacting Clackmannanshire Women's Aid on 01259 721407.

Additional information and support is also available via the 24-hour Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 027 1234, or Victim Support Scotland on 0800 160 1985.