BUSINESSMAN FOUND GUILTY OF DOMESTIC ABUSE AFTER VILE MESSAGES TO EX-PARTNER
A businessman from Lochaber has been convicted of a pattern of domestic abuse against his former partner.The allegations include a series of abusive messages and accusations of infidelity.
Gavin MacKinnon, residing at Grant Place, Claggan, was found guilty of engaging in abusive conduct from April 1 to November 20, 2023.
His activities took place at multiple locations, such as his residence, Antalya in Turkey, and a Spar store in Claggan.
During the trial, it was revealed that the 47-year-old repeatedly sent derogatory and aggressive messages, shouted, swore at the woman, and accused her of unfaithfulness on several occasions.
The court noted that the offense was worsened by the presence of children.
MacKinnon is involved in several businesses in Lochaber and Argyll and is registered at Companies House as a director of West Properties Limited and Caledonian Property Investments Limited.
At a prior hearing in March at Fort William Sheriff Court, witnesses described MacKinnon’s behavior as aggressive.
The complainant testified that she felt humiliated by the texts and fearful of MacKinnon during a family holiday to Turkey.
CCTV footage presented in court showed an incident outside a Claggan Spar, where MacKinnon was seen opening the door of his ex-partner’s car and making a derogatory comment about her role as a mother.
On Thursday, the defence concluded its case, with solicitor Stephen Kennedy stating no witnesses would be called.
Fiscal depute Adelle Gray emphasized there was sufficient supporting evidence for the key aspects of the charge, highlighting a pattern of abusive behaviour.
She stated the complainant described feeling "broken, anxious, and fearful" due to the abuse.
The trial also heard that during a family holiday in Türkiye, MacKinnon displayed aggressive behaviour, shouting and swearing in a lift and hitting walls.
However, no independent evidence of physical violence was presented.
Mr.
Kennedy acknowledged the tone of the messages was “distasteful” but argued they reflected anger rather than a sustained pattern of domestic abuse.
He pointed out the absence of witnesses, CCTV footage, or police reports supporting claims of violence abroad, noting that the woman remained with MacKinnon and their children for the rest of the holiday.
After deliberation, Sheriff Robert Fraser found that MacKinnon had engaged in abusive conduct, citing repeated degrading messages that included insults like “slapper”, “waster”, and “lying cheating b****”, along with accusations of infidelity.
One message read, “Wait until the kids are old enough to see what kind of character their mum is.” The sheriff described these texts as offensive and malicious, intended to harm.
He concluded that MacKinnon’s behavior was aggressive, threatening, humiliating, and degrading, and that references to the children increased the seriousness of the case.
Although physical violence was not proven, bail was granted to the first-time offender.
The case was adjourned until May for sentencing, with social work reports ordered.
Consideration of a non-harassment order is also underway.
