A THUG who choked his partner unconscious after punching her on the head was told it was lucky he didn’t kill her that night.

Devin Tucker, 21, admitted the charge of assault to injury and danger of life after attacking his then-partner in Marchfield Road, Ayr on various occasions between October 27 and October 28 last year.

Tucker punched her on the head seized her by the body.

He also repeatedly seized her by the neck during the attack restricting her breathing.

The indictment states he placed her in a chokehold until she lost conciousness – both to her injury and danger of life. The offence was aggravated by involving abuse of a partner or ex-partner.

When he appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court for sentencing last week [Thursday, September 15] defence solicitor Steven Maxwell said: “On August 10 he plead guilty to charge one on the indictment, not guilty was accepted to charge two.

“It’s a very detailed report, very unfortunate circumstances and Mr Tucker accepts the consequences of his actions, he has done from the get go in connection with these matters.

“It was he who phoned the police and reported himself to the police.

“I am advised the complainer is not supportive of a non harassment order.

“He is fully aware of your lordship’s powers today, given my clients age, the lack of convictions and has remained trouble free since.

“Notwithstsanding the serious nature of the offence I would propose a community payback order to keep an eye on Mr Tucker.

“I invite your lordship to step back from custody.”

Sheriff Desmond Leslie said: “There is a fine line between survival and fatality, you were very lucky that night.

“This was an extreme overreaction on your part that could have resulted in your partner’s death – then the only issue would be the number of years served in prison you understand that?

“The charges could result in custodial sentence, I’m persuaded just that that’s not appropriate.”

He was placed on a community payback order and under supervision for two years.

Tucker was also ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work and take part in the Caledonia men’s programme which aims to address domestic abusive behaviour.