Thug who stabbed girlfriend with scissors jailed for 22 months

A thug who stabbed his girlfriend with scissors was jailed for 22 months after a sheriff described his criminal behaviour as "extremely worrying".

Nassin Boutoubane also threatened the woman with a knife at her Bellshill home, Hamilton Sheriff Court was told.

Boutoubane, 24, appeared from custody and admitted assaulting the victim on August 20 and 21 last year.

He also admitted possession of a knife at Holiday Inn Express in Strathclyde Park shortly after the attack.

At the time Boutoubane, of Govan, was the subject of five separate bail orders imposed at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

The court heard the couple had been together since May 2022 and on the night of the assault had been out for a meal before returning home.

Scott O'Connor, prosecuting, said: "They were watching TV and having a drink.

"Then, around 10pm, the accused demanded the woman unlock her phone. She refused and he grabbed her by the hair and slapped her.

"He let go but picked up a pair of scissors and brandished them, saying 'If you don't unlock your phone I'll kill you'.

"Thereafter he struck her on the hand, causing a 1.5cm cut.

"He dropped the scissors and the complainer picked them up and hid them.

"Boutoubane then pulled a kitchen knife from a drawer and shouted 'Do as I f*****g say or I'll kill you'."

The situation calmed down and the woman suggested they go to Holiday Inn Express, but on the way she texted her sister and asked her to call the police.

Officers arrived at the hotel at 2.10am and found the kitchen knife when they searched Boutoubane.

They went to the address in Amethyst Avenue and saw signs of a disturbance, including large shards of glass from a smashed mirror.

There were bloodstains on the bedsheets and the scissors were found under the bed.

Defence lawyer Cameron Murdoch said Boutoubane had a difficult upbringing and ended up in care before turning to alcohol and drugs.

Mr Murdoch told the court: "This relationship became volatile very quickly and is now at an end though he and his former partner wish to remain friends.

"He apologises sincerely for his behaviour, recognising that domestic assault with a weapon is deplorable. He is horrified by his actions."

Sheriff Colin Dunipace told Boutoubane: "You have an appalling record for a young man. There is a history of violence and it's extremely worrying.

"This must have been a terrifying experience for the complainer."

The 22-month prison sentence was backdated to August 22 as Boutoubane has been in custody since his arrest.

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