Bride jailed on wedding night for assault on husband

Perth Sheriff Court. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Kerry Carmichael appeared from custody after being arrested just hours after tying the knot with Liam Moir.

The 21-year-old admitted assaulting her new husband in the early hours of Saturday morning by repeatedly pushing him on the face.

The couple were married at 2.30 pm on Friday, but within 12 hours the bride was in a cell at Perth Police HQ and she remained there until appearing in court at 2.30 pm on Monday.

Perth Sheriff Court was told that the mother-of-two became intoxicated after downing a series of drinks bought for her by guests at the reception.

After exchanging vows at Perth’s Register Office, the couple joined friends and family at a reception in the bowling club in Almondbank.

At one point during the evening, Carmichael was found sleeping on the bowling green in her wedding dress.

She was roused and taken to a relative’s home to get changed.

Fiscal depute Jim Eodanable said: “The accused and the complainer were married on Friday. She had been drinking and was at her mother’s house to get changed.

“She was intoxicated and unhappy with the complainer. As they were heading back to their house she repeatedly pushed his face backwards before breaking free from him and running off.

“Fortunately, the complainer suffered no injuries from this. The police attended and the lady spent the weekend in police custody. The complainer explained that he had been assaulted as part of what happened in the evening.”

Solicitor Jamie Morris, defending, said: “The complainer is in court. He indicated to me that he did not feel his wife should be the subject of prosecution.

“They have been in a relationship for about six years and have two children together. The couple married at 2.30 pm. Following the wedding ceremony the couple adjourned to the bowling club in Almondbank.

“As perhaps often happens as part of these celebrations, various well-intentioned people proffered alcohol to the accused. She is not someone who generally drinks to excess, but in light of the nature of the event she has accepted this generosity.

“This ran on into the early hours and by that stage she had had far too much to drink. She was taken from the premises to change and following on from that had to be roused from a drunken slumber.

“She reacted badly to being roused and pushed her now husband in the face in the manner described. She has had the dubious privilege of spending the first 48 hours of her marriage in the less than salubrious surroundings of Perth police station.

“There does not appear to be any lingering resentment on the part of her husband and she has every intention of returning home and putting this matter behind her.

“I would have no expectation of there ever being a repeat. I would argue that she has already suffered enough punishment as a result of her incarceration.”

Carmichael, 56 Gellyburn Road, Almondbank, admitted assaulting Liam Moir at 32 Kirkhall Road, Almondbank, on 25 January by repeatedly pushing him in the face. She was admonished by Sheriff Mark Stewart.

Sheriff Stewart said: “It is a very unfortunate set of circumstances that your wedding celebration has ended up in the way that it has.

“I am struggling slightly to see where the public interest lies in prosecuting this particular set of circumstances. Your husband doesn’t seem to have made any particular complaint. Having spent the weekend in custody you will be admonished.”

Outside court, the couple embraced but fled without comment. Both covered their faces and ran off. Mr Moir said: “We have nothing to say at all.”