A BROTHER and sister who attacked one of theirs partners have dodged jail.
Nicola, 18, and Stephen Goodwin, 32, appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court last week in connection with the attack.

The court heard how the siblings, from Doon Avenue, Prestwick, had been out celebrating Nicola Goodwin's eighteenth birthday in Ayr.

They then met Stephen Goodwin's partner on High Street in Ayr where the attack took place back on April 8.

Depute fiscal Stephen McLean said: "At 1.35am the accused, Nicola Goodwin assaulted the complainer. She pulled her head down and kneed her on the head and punched her."

The court was then shown CCTV footage of the attack. In the footage Nicola Goodwin can be seen on top of the victim and reigning down a series of punches as Stephen Goodwin stood back and watched.
Police arrived a short time later and split the pair up before detaining the younger sister and then later the older brother.

Defence solicitor Tony Currie said: "They had been out to celebrate Nicola Goodwin's eighteenth birthday.

"There had been some text communications throughout the night between Stephen Goodwin and his partner.

"His partners messages became quite abusive and he stopped responding."
Later that night Goodwin's partner was waiting on them and that is when the attack occurred.

Mr Currie continued: "Nicola Goodwin said that she was shocked when she saw her behaviour.

"She and her mother don't approve of the relationship and she didn't want her there on the night.

"Stephen Goodwin really was more on the periphery. He doesn't play an active role. He encouraged his sister to become engaged in this."

Both were spared jail by Sheriff Weir.

Sheriff Weir said: "I have looked carefully and considered the recommendations in the social work report. I'm not going to give you a custodial sentence."

Instead the pair were handed community payback orders.
Nicola Goodwin will now do 180 hours of unpaid work and will be under supervision for a year.

Stephen Goodwin will do 140 hours of unpaid work and was also slapped with a non-harassment order, banning him from contacting his former partner for a year.