Man who left partner with fractured eye socket avoids jail sentence

Archie Shepherd lashed out at the woman after they had been drinking at a neighbour’s house in September 2024 .

She was taken to Borders General Hospital where she was found to have a fractured eye socket and a broken nose.

Her other injuries included swelling to her face, headaches and blurred vision.

Shepherd was traced at an address in Coldstream on the morning of September 9, 2024, and taken into custody.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said: “This is a grave matter and it is acknowledged the custody threshold has been reached and passed.”

But he added there were alternatives to custody available pointing out that the partner said the behaviour was out of character.

Mr Patrick accepted it was a toxic relationship and his client had suffered significant alcohol problems and drug abuse in the past.

He pointed out that he was now free from alcohol and drugs and that Shepherd was someone who managed to hold down a job and wanted to contribute to the maintenance of his child.

Sheriff Robert Fife told Shepherd his behaviour was “quite dreadful” and said he would have imposed a prison sentence of 22 months.

Instead he imposed a Community Pay Back Order involving 24 months supervision and to attend the Caledonian Men’s Programme.

He also ordered him to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work within two years.

Sheriff Fife said the sentence was an alternative to custody and added that if there was any breach of the order he would be facing 22 months in jail.

A Non-Harassment Order was also imposed banning any contact with the woman except for making child contact arrangements.

Shepherd, who has an address in Jedburgh, was also fined £300 with a £20 Victim Surcharge for breaching his bail conditions by being in the company of his partner.

Sheriff Fife concluded: “This is not a soft option.

“It is your solicitor that has persuaded me not to send you to prison. Be aware of that.”