Man denies series of assaults on his Wick mother

A Wick man is alleged to have subjected his mother to repeated assaults in just over a month.

Donald McPhee (36) has denied the allegations, and if he adheres to his not-guilty plea will be tried before a jury at Inverness Sheriff Court.

The indictment alleges that between August 20 and September 23, last year, he assaulted his mother, Christine McPhee, on three occasions, at a house in Leishman Avenue, Wick.

McPhee is first accused of kicking her, causing her to fall to the floor and then repeatedly kicking her. On the second occasion, he is alleged to have repeatedly punched her on her head and pulled her hair and thirdly, he is charged with slapping her, all to her severe injury.

The case was called at Wick Sheriff Court on Wednesday but continued until March 21 to allow the prosecution and defence to finalise preparation.

Once that has been completed, the case will be signed off and transferred to Inverness in order that a trial date can be fixed.

McPhee is currently in custody and is described as a prisoner at Inverness.

Charges brought under indictment carry stiffer sentences if the accused is convicted or pleads guilty.