Man who pushed woman into sea 38 years ago jailed

A man who placed a woman’s life in danger by pushing her from a pier into the sea has been jailed for two years.

William McDonald, 76, carried out the attack during a course of violent conduct which took place at locations across Scotland between May 1975 and August 2022.

The high court heard how McDonald, of Ardersier, Inverness-shire, carried out the assault at Nairn Harbour sometime in June and August 1987.

The court also heard how in other attacks, McDonald grabbed the female by her hair and then caused her to strike a chair. He also seized her by her hair and bit her on the nose in other assaults.

Police eventually learned about McDonald’s behaviour and started

A jury found McDonald guilty on serious assault and threatening behaviour charges following a trial at the High Court in Inverness earlier this year. He was acquitted of charges alleging he carried out sexual assaults on the female.

On Wednesday, he appeared for sentencing before judge Michael O’Grady KC at the High Court in Edinburgh who told him he needed to go to prison for his crimes.

Before the sentence was passed, defence advocate Jonathan Deans told the court that his client had previously run a gardening business.

He added: “He has led a pro-social life.”

Passing sentence, judge O’Grady said McDonald had engaged in a “disturbing” course of conduct towards his victim.

He added: “These episodes demonstrate a disturbing propensity towards violence and cruelty towards your victim.

“The situation can only be resolved by way of a custodial sentence – that will be one of two years.”