CHRISTOPHER LEGAT'S SCANDAL IN GLASGOW: DOMESTIC ABUSE REVELATIONS SHOCK SCOTTISH BUSINESS COMMUNITY

A disturbing case of domestic abuse has come to light involving Christopher Leggat, a former director of a well-known Scottish whisky company based in Glasgow. The allegations detail a prolonged period of violence and intimidation directed at his wife, Cara Leggat, spanning from September 2022 to November 2024. The court proceedings revealed that Leggat engaged in both verbal threats and physical assaults, causing significant emotional and physical suffering to his wife.

According to the court, Leggat repeatedly struck Cara, with incidents including slaps and a particularly aggressive act where he pushed her into a kitchen cabinet, resulting in an injury. Witnesses and court evidence pointed to a pattern of escalating violence, with Leggat reportedly harboring deadly intentions towards his wife. During the trial, it was disclosed that he made threatening remarks such as, "I hope you die in your sleep," indicating a dangerous mindset and a desire to control and intimidate her.

Further details from the court revealed that Leggat attempted to isolate Cara from her family and social contacts. He sought to prevent her from seeing her parents and expressed hostility over minor disagreements, including her choice of birthday gifts. These controlling behaviors contributed to a climate of fear and oppression that Cara endured for years before finally reporting the abuse to the police.

The case was heard at Glasgow Sheriff Court, where Sheriff Allan McKay described the evidence as demonstrating a clear and disturbing pattern of behavior aimed at isolating Cara and exerting dominance over her. Leggat, who previously served as managing director of his family's whisky business, was found guilty of the charges and now faces a custodial sentence. During the court proceedings, Leggat denied many of the allegations, claiming he had left the company in 2023 and dismissing the accusations of violence as either false or exaggerated.

Additional incidents presented during the trial included an altercation following an Old Firm football match, where Leggat pushed Cara into a bush, and another at their home where he forcibly pushed her into a kitchen cabinet. His own testimony was inconsistent with witness accounts, which contributed to the court’s decision to convict him.

Leggat was granted bail while awaiting further background reports, with sentencing scheduled for August. This case underscores the serious issue of domestic violence within prominent Scottish families and highlights the need for continued vigilance and support for victims of abuse in the Glasgow area and beyond.