Adobe StockA man who subjected a woman to physical abuse once choked her after a row over washing dishes.
James Morrison, 23, repeatedly tormented his victim while on five different bail orders.
The High Court in Glasgow heard how the pair got to know each other in February 2025.
Prosecutor David Fisken said: “She had previously been in an abusive relationship. He assured her that he would treat her well.”
But, instead, the woman soon suffered at the violent hands of Morrison, a convicted sex offender.
They had been together at a flat in Stevenston, Ayrshire, in early August 2025, with a plan to watch TV and order a takeaway.
There was then a row, in which Morrison backed the woman into a corner and started strangling her.
Mr Fisken said: “The woman bit her tongue, causing it to bleed. She managed to get away and curled into a ball on the floor.
“She was shaking and crying. Morrison told her he had stopped assaulting her as he had pictured his mum being in the same state.”
Morrison went on to apologise.
But a similar attack occurred around two weeks later when Morrison also tried to smother her with bed covers.
The victim again curled up in a ball, hoping he would stop.
The court heard a further attack saw him angered when he thought the woman was “bad mouthing” him on the phone.
Morrison poked his fingers in her eye and punched her in the stomach.
In early September 2025, the woman had dinner with Morrison at the same flat, when he lashed out again.
Mr Fisken said: “A minor argument broke out as to who would wash the dishes.
“Morrison pushed her away from the sink. The woman pushed him back.
“He then pinned her against the wall and started to strangle her.
“He let her go, but picked up a kitchen knife and threatened to stab her.”
The victim managed to escape to a bedroom.
Morrison, of Saltcoats, Ayrshire, was later arrested.
He pleaded guilty to three charges of aggravated assault, including to the danger to the woman’s life.
Among the bail orders at the time was one for an assault allegation and another for threatening behaviour. All have since been dealt with at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court.
Lady Hood remanded Morrison in custody as sentencing was deferred for reports.
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