Estate owner assaulted girlfriend

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One of Scotland's richest landowners has been ordered to pay his ex-partner £500 compensation after assaulting her during an "unseemly row" over money.

Maher al-Tajir, 51, whose family owns mineral water firm Highland Spring, pushed Deborah Barker over, injuring her head.

Stirling Sheriff Court heard the assault happened at Keir House in Dunblane, on 11 December.

Sheriff Andrew Cubie also fined al-Tajir £500.

The court was told that an argument erupted between the couple, who had been together for three years, after Ms Barker asked for £2,000 in addition to a £3,000 monthly allowance.

'Genuine contrition'

Defence agent Jock Brown said his client had bought his former partner's mother a house despite having never met her.

He said: "The latest monthly payment had just been made.

"He was asked for £2,000 more despite discussions over the credit crunch."

Mr Brown said his client "bitterly regretted" the assault, which had also resulted in him being bitten on the hand.

He said: "He should not have done so. He knows that and bitterly regrets doing so.

"It was an unseemly row over money."

Sheriff Andrew Cubie said it would "send out the wrong message" to admonish al-Tajir.

He added: "I accept what was said about immediate and genuine contrition and accept that you yourself received injuries.

"There was a loss of control which had consequences for Miss Barker."

The court was told that previous reports describing al-Tajir as an Iranian-born sheikh and member of the Dubai royal family were inaccurate.