Diabetic in court over attack he can't recall

A MAN who suffers from diabetes cannot remember attacking his ex on New Year's Day.

Steven Beattie, 44, of Livingston, pleaded guilty to the assault when he appeared in court yesterday.

He also admitted holding her down and striking her on the head to her injury.

Stewart Peebles, defending, said the couple had split up some ten years ago.

He told Livingston Sheriff Court: "Up until this particular incident they had an excellent relationship.

"Mr Beattie suffers from type 1 diabetes, is insulin dependent and can recall virtually nothing of the incident."

Mr Peebles said his client, who has previous convictions, lived separately from his former partner and had a full-time job.

Deferring sentence, Sheriff Martin Edington said: "Given the nature of the allegation and the previous convictions, my inclination is towards reports."

He called for social enquiry and community service reports and an assessment of Beattie's suitability for an electronic tagging order.

The case will be recalled on January 27.

Beattie was released on bail with special conditions.