A PENSIONER who repeatedly attacked his wife almost 40 years ago has been ordered to make a “substantial” donation to charity.

Kenneth McAlpine, 72, of Bonhill View, Alexandria, assaulted his wife between January 1, 1976 and December 31, 1980, at a house in McGregor Avenue, Alexandria.

He previously admitted that he assaulted her on various occasions by repeatedly punching her on the head, pushing her on the body, throwing her onto the ground, sitting on top of her and holding a towel over head. He repeatedly kicked her on the body, caused her to fall down a flight of stairs and repeatedly seized her by the neck.

Between May 1, 1978 and August 31, 1978, at a house in McGregor Avenue he assaulted an eight-year-old girl by repeatedly striking her on the body.

At Dumbarton Sheriff Court last Wednesday, defence lawyer Jonathan Paul said: “He is in receipt of a pension and is in a position to pay a fine or compensation, or even unpaid work. His current wife is supporting him in this matter.”

Sheriff William Gallacher told McAlpine: “You will make a donation to a charity - Women’s Aid, Children 1st or something similar.

“The donation does not have to be huge, but not small either, a substantial amount though. It will in some way address the distress you caused all those years ago.

“If you are as remorseful as you say you are, then this will show it in some way.”

McAlpine was ordered to return to court on November 16 with evidence that he has made a payment to charity.