ARBROATH MAN DAVID DONALDSON SENTENCED FOR HARASSMENT OVER BELIEF IN WHITE MAGIC CURSE

In a case that highlights the complex intersection of mental health and criminal behavior, David Donaldson, a 38-year-old resident of Arbroath, was found guilty of sending a series of abusive and threatening messages to his former partner over a period of more than a year. The incidents, which took place primarily between January 2020 and 2021, involved voicemails, emails, and text messages that were deemed to be both threatening and harassing in nature.

During proceedings at Forfar Sheriff Court, it was revealed that Donaldson held a firm belief that his ex-partner, who claims to practice 'white magic,' had cast a curse upon him. This conviction appeared to be a significant factor influencing his actions, as he believed that the messages he sent were necessary to counteract the supposed spell. The court heard that Donaldson’s perception of being cursed was taken very seriously by him, leading to a series of actions that caused considerable distress to his former partner.

His legal representative, Gary McIlravey, explained that Donaldson has come to terms with his behavior and was not attempting to shift blame onto his victim. McIlravey emphasized that his client initially believed in the existence of the curse and thought it had been directed against him, which prompted him to take what he believed were necessary countermeasures. The solicitor described the relationship as toxic, but clarified that Donaldson was not seeking to blame his former partner for his actions.

McIlravey further stated, “He did speak at first about a curse. I think there is a great issue with mental health but at the time he tells me there was a belief in ‘white magic’. “He was involved in a toxic relationship with the woman. “He is not looking to take part in victim blaming.”

It was also noted that Donaldson has had no contact with the complainant since the incidents, and that he is left in significant debt, with little financial contribution from his former partner. The court was informed that these circumstances were part of the context of his actions, but did not diminish the seriousness of the offences.

In sentencing, Sheriff Alison Michie acknowledged the gravity of the case, which involved multiple instances of threatening and abusive communication. Donaldson, who pleaded guilty to the charges, was sentenced to a community-based order. This included 200 hours of unpaid work, participation in a domestic abuse education programme, and a two-year non-harassment order that prohibits him from contacting his former partner.

As a first-time offender, Donaldson’s case was viewed with a degree of leniency, with the court expressing hope that he will not reoffend. The judge emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying issues that led to his actions, including his mental health, and stressed the need for rehabilitation and compliance with the court’s orders. Donaldson, who resides on Charles Avenue in Arbroath, was also ordered to undertake community service and complete the domestic abuse education programme as part of his sentence.