Moray man kicked and stamped on head of woman in vicious assault

An Elgin man kicked and stamped on the head of a woman, leaving her with facial fractures, after earlier threatening to hit her with a rock.

Andrew Clark, of Hossack Drive, left the woman “slumped on the ground in front of her house” before leaving the scene in Cumming Circle.

The 31-year-old later threatened to cut his throat after police forced entry to his home on May 14, 2024. Officers had to deploy a PAVA spray and their batons to make him drop the knife.

Clark appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court, represented by his solicitor Stephen Carty, and admitted the serious assault and threatening behaviour.

Sheriff Sara Matheson deferred sentence until April 15 for a background report and restriction of liberty order assessment. His bail was continued.

Mr Carty told the court: "There may be scope for a non-custodial sentence although his previous record does him no credit."

Mr Carty explained that his client had a number of mental health conditions and was currently engaging with drug and alcohol services.

Fiscal depute Emily Hood told the court there was a disturbance in Cumming Circle involving Clark and his victim, who was seen to be carrying a garden chair in Clark's direction.

"He pushed her backwards and then repeatedly punched her on the head, causing her to fall to the ground before repeatedly kicking and stamping on her head.

“This was captured by a witness on his mobile phone."

Ms Hood said: "Clark walked away from the scene and when police arrived, they found the victim slumped on the ground in front of her house with swelling to her face and a cut on the bridge of her nose.

“A CT scan confirmed that she suffered a fracture around her left eye, cheek and the nasal bone and a concussion."

The court heard Clark was traced to his home, where he refused entry to the officers, who then forced entry.

Ms Hood went on: "He was in a small corridor in possession of a knife which he held to his throat, stating he would cut it if officers came any closer.

“He momentarily removed the knife from his throat allowing an officer to deploy his PAVA spray into his eyes."

Officers then grabbed his wrist and one used his baton to strike his arm, causing him to drop the knife, which had a three-inch blade.

He was then arrested despite his resistance, the court heard.