A MAN who carried out a violent attack on his cousin’s partner in Cowdenbeath has been jailed.

The blood-splattered victim was attacked in his own home and was not even sure who his attacker was.

David Barnes had originally been placed on a community payback order for the assault but did not complete the unpaid work.

He was brought back to Dunfermline Sheriff Court, the order was revoked and he was sent to jail for nine months.

Barnes, 27, of Ednam Drive, Glenrothes, had admitted that on April 15 or 16 last year at Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, he assaulted a man by repeatedly punching and striking him on the head to his injury.

He also admitted that on December 3 at Asda in Glenrothes, he stole a quantity of electrical goods, grocery and household items valued at £298.

Depute fiscal Sarah Lumsden previously told the court that Barnes committed the assault on his cousin’s partner after she contacted him after she had been drinking.

This led to Barnes travelling to the man's home and attacking him.

The victim was found bleeding heavily from his head and face and said he had been attacked by his partner and David Barnes.

The assault took place in a bedroom and there was blood splattered over walls, a mirror and bedding, said the depute.

The victim was taken to Victoria Hospital where he was found to have a 5cm cut to his left eye, which required stitches. He also sustained a 10cm cut to his head which required staples.

When police traced Barnes he initially told officers he had nothing to do with the assault.

He later admitted being involved but claimed he had been punched first. He also admitted that the victim did not know who he was.

Sheriff Charles MacNair had previously told Barnes: “This could be described as a revenge attack or vigilante attack.

“We have a system of justice in this country and revenge attacks are quite contrary to that idea of justice.”

The sheriff was unimpressed to hear that Barnes had put his employment commitments before doing his unpaid work.

Jailing Barnes, the sheriff told him: “This was an unprovoked attack and caused significant injury.”