GARY LAUDER CRAWFORD

THREE YEARS OF HELL: ABUSIVE THUG FROM BAINSFORD LOCKED UP AFTER CAMPAIGN OF TERROR By Our Court Reporter A VIOLENT thug from Bainsford, Falkirk, who waged a three-year campaign of abuse against his partner — including punching, kicking and controlling her every move — has been caged for 30 months.

Gary Crawford subjected his victim to a living nightmare of shouting, swearing and vicious attacks, even damaging her home and car to make her life a misery.

And to make matters worse, his sickening behaviour happened in front of a child — landing him an extra six months behind bars.

At his sentencing in Livingston this week, a judge told Crawford his actions were “toxic and abusive” and had left his victim scarred physically and mentally for life.

The court heard how Crawford, who already had a string of domestic violence convictions, launched his reign of terror over three years.

While cleared of some of the most serious claims, he was found guilty of a catalogue of horrific offences.

He would scream abuse and hurl insults, monitor her phone use day and night, and fly into violent rages — pushing, punching, seizing her body and throwing her to the ground.

He even destroyed her property, leaving her without access to her own home or car.

Worst of all, the jury found his crimes were made worse because they took place in front of a young child — a factor the judge said weighed heavily in his punishment.

Crawford, of Bainsford, already had a shocking record for abusing partners — including a past conviction involving a knife, which saw him handed the toughest possible community order.

But even that failed to stop him.

The judge told him: “Your adult relationships have been blighted by how you treat the people you are supposed to love.

You were already under an order to change, yet you abused your new partner all over again.

You wasted every chance you were given.” Reports revealed Crawford blamed his out-of-control behaviour on drink and drugs, claiming he was “ashamed and sorry” — but experts said his crimes were so serious they caused long-term harm, and he still poses a risk of striking again.

Even the fact his current partner is expecting a baby and he has a job couldn’t save him from prison.

The judge said: “I must protect the public, punish you, and make clear just how unacceptable this behaviour is.

You had every chance to change in the community — it clearly didn’t work.

Only prison is enough.” As well as jail time, Crawford is banned for LIFE from ever contacting, approaching or communicating with his victim — directly or indirectly.

A source close to the case said: “This woman went through absolute hell for years.

She was controlled, attacked and treated like dirt — and all in front of a child.

Finally, he’s exactly where he belongs: behind bars, where he can’t hurt anyone else.” KEY FACTS - Address: Bainsford, Falkirk - Sentence: 30 months in prison (6 months extra for involving a child) - Crimes: 3 years of abuse — violence, controlling behaviour, damage to property - History: Previous domestic violence conviction involving a knife - Ban: Lifetime order never to contact his victim again