iStockA woman has been left with a life-changing brain injury after her ex-partner attacked her with a hammer at her home in Dunoon.
Kyle Bryce attacked the woman with the weapon after she told him she wanted to end their relationship.
The 38-year-old later claimed to police he did not think he had “harmed her seriously”.
Bryce was held after going on to threaten to strangle a female garage worker the same day.
On Tuesday, Bryce admitted attempting to murder his ex-partner at a property in Dunoon, Argyll and Bute on May 2, 2024.
Bryce, of Clydebank, will be sentenced in March.
Bryce had gone to the house in Dunoon that day, where he started arguing with the victim. The woman then said she wanted them to split.
Prosecutor Mark Mohammed KC told the High Court in Glasgow: “She asked Bryce to take his belongings and leave the house.”
The woman went on to call her mother and state the relationship was over.
But, Mr Mohammed said Bryce did not leave, and another argument ensued before he shoved his victim against a wall.
The prosecutor said: “He took a hammer and struck her on the head causing her to fall in the kitchen.”
Bryce delivered more blows resulting in the woman being knocked out and suffering a string of horrific injuries.
He then abandoned the victim, left the house and dumped the hammer in a bin.
A sobbing Bryce then called his brother-in-law, admitting “something bad happened”.
He was also “hysterical” when he phoned his mother.
Bryce went on to dial 999 and stated: “Murder…the patient is away to heaven”.
He said his ex was now “gone” and had suffered a “serious head injury”.
Emergency services arrived at the scene and police initially believed they may have to force entry after finding all the doors locked.
The victim’s mum was contacted, who had a spare key.
The woman was discovered still lying on the floor, badly hurt and unresponsive.
She was rushed to hospital in Glasgow.
The victim had brain damage, a fractured skull as well as other injuries to her face.
She was later transferred to a rehab unit at Inverclyde Royal Hospital in Greenock.
Mr Mohammed said she remains badly affected by her ordeal.
He told the hearing: “She will not fully recover from her brain injury.
“She is at increased risk of developing early onset dementia.
“There has been permanent hearing loss in the right ear.”
As of August 2024, the woman was awaiting a bed at her local hospital.
She will end up needing supported accommodation as she can no longer live independently.
The court heard Bryce was held that night after he was involved in the assault of a petrol station worker in Strachur, Argyll and Bute, following the attack.
This woman had tried to stop him driving off – before he pushed her and threatened: “I will choke you to death”.
Bryce admitted striking his ex with the hammer, but claimed: “I do not feel like I have harmed her seriously. I am so sorry if she is harmed.”
Bryce also pleaded guilty to the assault at the filling station.
Lord Arthurson told him: “This case is truly horrific and you will receive a sentence comparable to the sheer graphic nature of the crime.”
Sentencing was adjourned for reports.
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