Newlywed jailed after breaking court order – to attend own wedding

A NEWLYWED has been jailed for getting married - after defying a court ban to meet his new husband at the altar.

Sean McLeod has been locked up for ten months after breaking bail conditions by going ahead with his wedding to Matthew Erskine.

McLeod, 37, had been told to stay away from his partner after repeatedly sinking his teeth into him during a savage attack in their home.

He was placed on bail after being arrested for using an ornamental glass tea light holder to knock Mr Erskine out cold just 20 days before the wedding.

McLeod's request to have the condition lifted to let them wed was refused by a sheriff - but he ignored it and went through with the ceremony at Dundee Registry Office.

Sheriff Ian Anderson told McLeod: "You have paid a high and heavy price for a bout of excessive drinking which led you to behave in a quite outrageous way - especially to someone you said you loved.

"It was a sustained and unprovoked attack and because of what you did you have been remanded in custody for seven months. I am prepared to take on trust that you will seek help when you are released from prison.

"You and your partner better be in this together and you must avoid alcohol. It is fair to say this was substantially provoked by alcohol abuse.

"Why did they both go through with the marriage knowing full well the court had said no?"

Solicitor Doug McConnell, defending, said: "Unfortunately, I think they both decided just to go ahead."

McLeod, Spey Drive, Dundee, admitted attacking and injuring Mr Erskine by repeatedly biting him on the body and knocking him unconscious with a glass ornament.

The attack took place on 11 July last year, and McLeod was released on bail the following day with a condition not to "approach or contact" Mr Erskine.

But he admitted breaching the bail order on 31 July in The Hollies Room at the registry office by entering into a marriage ceremony with his victim.

Fiscal depute Lee Corr told Dundee Sheriff Court: "Mr Erskine and the accused have been in a relationship since September 2022.

"They were married on 31 July 2023 despite the bail conditions in place. From 7.30pm on 11 July the accused and Mr Erskine were consuming alcohol."

Mr Corr said the victim left the room to take a call and when he then ignored Mcleod the accused flew into a rage and started to attack him.

"The accused got angry and bit Mr Erskine to the left side of the body, causing him to scream in pain."

McLeod said: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."

"However," Mr Corr added, "he then bit him several times more. Mr Erskine shouted at him to stop as it was sore and he pushed him away. He did not stop.

"The accused was biting him to the neck and stomach area. The accused put his head on his genital area and bit him through his tracksuit bottoms and boxers.

"The accused pushed him across the coffee table, causing his body to slam against the wall. Mr Erskine went to the bedroom, but the accused followed and punched him in the face.

"The accused continued to grab and hit him all over the body. Mr Erskine ran from the bedroom to the top of the stairs. He turned and saw the accused.

"He continued running and the accused kicked him with force to the back. He held onto the railings to avoid falling down the stairs," Mr Corr said.

"He felt a thud to the back of his head, causing dizziness and light-headedness. He saw a thick glass tea light holder on the ground.

"He noticed blood dripping from his head and a neighbour called an ambulance as he lost consciousness. The neighbour saw the accused leave the property and walk past like nothing had happened."

Mr Erskine was taken to Ninewells Hospital, where he was found to have "numerous bite marks on his torso, arms, back, neck and scrotum," as well as a head wound.

Mr Corr said the couple - who had met online through social media - went ahead with the wedding at 11 am on 31 July and the ceremony passed without incident.

Mr McConnell said McLeod and his husband planned to resume their marriage when he is released from prison.