Hamilton man plans to marry partner after being cleared of assaulting her

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Hamilton man says he plans to marry his partner after being cleared of a serious assault on her. Martin Cloke was accused of brandishing a blade, pinning the woman to the floor, compressing her neck and restricting her breathing before throwing her against a wall.

It was also alleged that he made threats, spat repeatedly on the floor and damaged a phone and furniture at a house on Wilson Street, Larkhall, in August 2020.

The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android However, the charges were dropped after the victim gave evidence during Cloke's trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court.Cloke, 40, of George Court, Hamilton, admitted threatening or abusive behaviour towards police officers and breaching bail conditions by being in his partner's company that day.Defence agent Kevin McCarron said the offences happened at a time when Cloke was abusing alcohol and other substances.

His mental health was "at a terrible low".The solicitor added: "Things have changed significantly since August 2020 and there has been no further offending."There have been bail conditions in place, but the couple intend to resume their relationship and, indeed, they have marriage plans."Sheriff John Speir deferred sentence for six months for good behaviour and removed Cloke's bail order, meaning the couple are free to get back together.