Attacker who choked his mum told he must behave

A MAN who endangered his own mother's life by seizing her by the neck and stopping her from breathing has been ordered to behave for a year.

John McGill, 37, had been arguing with his sister and when Mary McGill intervened he launched the attack on her.

At an earlier hearing fiscal depute Ruth Ross-Davie said:

"He had hold of her by the neck for approximately three seconds, during which time she was prevented from breathing, which was to the danger of her life."

The court heard Mrs McGill suffered bruising to her body as well as cuts to her chin from where a knife had been held.

When police were called McGill said there had been psychological abuse and intimidation of him in the house and on this occasion he had snapped.

McGill admitted assaulting Mrs McGill, who was then aged 58, to her injury and the danger of her life.

The offence happened on 10 February this year at the family home at Longstone Gardens.

Defence agent Andrew Houston described it as a "highly unusual case" and said McGill and his sister had both been victims of difficulties at home. He said his sister had moved out and McGill was now staying with her.

Mr Houston said: "His brother and sister are tremendously supportive and are here in court with him. He was living in an atmosphere which was terribly unpleasant. He is now living with his siblings. This incident seems to have been a catalyst for change."

The court heard McGill no longer has contact with his parents. Sheriff Deidre MacNeill said it was an "exceptional case". She said: "You have had very difficult decisions to make as a family and I think you have dealt with it responsibly."