Urgent Update: Motherwell Man Jailed for Choking Incident
A 25-year-old man from Motherwell, identified as Regan McIlmoyle, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison after he choked his partner during a heated argument. The incident occurred on August 18 at their home, escalating after she urged him to pack his bags and leave.
During a court hearing at Hamilton Sheriff Court, it was revealed that the couple, who share two children and had been together for four years, got into a dispute around 9:30 AM. Following his partner’s request for him to leave, McIlmoyle stormed upstairs, claiming he would contact the SSPCA regarding their dog.
In a shocking turn, he returned and violently grabbed her by the hair before choking her for approximately five seconds, leaving visible redness around her neck, according to police reports. Officers were dispatched following a call from the victim, who managed to escape the situation.
Scott O’Connor, prosecuting, detailed the attack, explaining the couple’s relationship had been strained by a “build-up of tension and frustration.” Defense attorney John McLaughlin stated that McIlmoyle had been drinking the night prior and was still under the influence during the incident, leading to a “momentary loss of control.”
The court acknowledged McIlmoyle’s history of violence, noting he was already on a community payback order for a prior domestic assault. Sheriff Michael Higgins imposed an indefinite non-harassment order, preventing any contact between McIlmoyle and his ex-partner upon his release.
This case highlights the urgent issue of domestic violence and the critical need for intervention in such volatile situations. As discussions continue around improving support systems for victims, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise in domestic disputes.
McIlmoyle will be under supervision for an additional six months following his release, and authorities urge anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help and report incidents immediately.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
