Motherwell Man Assaults Woman, Leaves Her with Serious Injuries

A woman sustained a serious head injury following an assault in the town centre of Motherwell on October 1, 2022. The incident occurred when Luke McKillop, 39, pushed the woman, causing her to fall backward and strike her head against a wall. A bystander who rushed to her aid found her head “soaked in blood” from a significant laceration.

During a court appearance at Hamilton Sheriff Court, McKillop admitted to the assault, which resulted in severe injury to the victim. The court was informed that the assault took place around 16:30 local time and was captured on CCTV.

Details of the Assault

According to Aga Mathieson, the prosecuting attorney, both parties involved were intoxicated at the time of the incident and had been exchanging cigarettes. The victim approached McKillop, who then placed both hands on her and forcefully pushed her. This action led to her falling and hitting her head on a brick wall.

The victim was transported to the hospital, where a three-inch long laceration on her head was treated with six staples. Following the assault, McKillop left the scene but was apprehended by police officers on nearby Watson Street. During the arrest, he spat at a female officer, resulting in saliva landing on her face and shoulder.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

McKillop, who was on early release from prison and under a supervision order at the time of the incident, has a history of previous convictions. His defence lawyer, Matthew McGovern, stated that McKillop expressed remorse over the serious injury inflicted on the woman. He claimed that the woman had been bothering McKillop and his friend while attempting to obtain a cannabis joint from them. According to McGovern, McKillop’s actions were a single response to her aggressive approach, not part of a sustained attack.

Sheriff Colin Dunipace has remanded McKillop in custody since his arrest in October 2022 and deferred sentencing until next month to allow for the preparation of background reports. The sheriff indicated that he is considering an extended sentence, necessitating a risk assessment due to McKillop’s criminal history.

This case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding violence and public safety in urban areas. The serious nature of the injuries and the circumstances surrounding the assault raise concerns about the need for effective interventions to prevent such incidents in the future.