Grieving dad jailed after beating partner

Gary Mack, 43, attacked Leanne Henderson and repeatedly struck her on the head and body in Longstone Park, in October.

The city’s sheriff court heard how the pair had spent the evening drinking before they started arguing with each other.

The software engineer then lost his temper and threw Leanne to the ground.

He then started punching and kicking her. Shocked eyewitnesses rang police after they heard him tell her to “get up” once the violence had ended.

The court heard how medics who treated her found she had several cuts to the face - one was so deep that they could see a nerve protruding through the skin.

Mack, described as a prisoner of Saughton, was sent to prison by Sheriff James Scott.

Passing sentence, Sheriff Scott said: “I take on board what has been said on your behalf. Nevertheless, this was a very serious incident which caused considerable injury to this woman.

Mack, a prisoner of Saughton, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault to severe injury at a hearing last month.

The court heard how Mack had turned to drink to cope with the loss of his two children who died in a car smash up in December 2010.

After hearing how the pair were no longer an item, Sheriff Scott deferred sentence in order for the court to obtain reports about Mack’s character.

Defence solicitor Mike Bevan asked Sheriff Scott not to send his client to jail.

Mr Bevan added: “He appreciates that he will go to prison but I ask you to consider an alternative to custody as recommended in the report.

“You have heard the background to this matter, the loss of his children and depression.

“He has been in custody since October 4 and he has had time to reflect on his behaviour.

“He is under no illusions that this is a very serious matter.”

But Sheriff Scott said: “No sentence other than a custodial one is appropriate.”