KEVIN SPOKES – DUNDEE

2022.

A welder who assaulted his girlfriend the day after her father’s funeral has avoided a custodial sentence at Dundee Sheriff Court.

Kevin Spokes, who was 35 at the time of the offence, was instead placed under a two-year supervision order and made subject to a non-harassment order.

The court heard that Spokes had been drinking heavily before launching into a violent outburst at his partner’s home in Inveresk Gardens, Dundee. During the incident, he began an argument, smashed vases, dragged his partner across the room, and repeatedly punched her.

He also threw a chair, which struck both his partner and another woman present.

Following the assault, Spokes attempted to flee from police on a bicycle but fell and struck his head on the road, requiring hospital treatment and six stitches.

Spokes, who has a history of domestic violence, admitted two charges of assault when he appeared in court in May 2022.

Sentencing, Sheriff Gregor Murray said the offence was serious enough to merit a prison term. However, he noted that due to delays during the COVID-19 pandemic, Spokes had effectively already spent the equivalent of 20 months in custody awaiting the conclusion of the case.

Taking this into account, the sheriff imposed a two-year supervision order instead of a custodial sentence. A non-harassment order was also granted to protect the victim.