ELGIN MAN GRANT ROWAND SENTENCED TO 15 MONTHS FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE AND CRIMINAL OFFENSES

Grant Rowand, a 21-year-old resident of Elgin, has been sentenced to a term of 15 months in custody following his guilty plea to multiple serious charges. The court proceedings shed light on a disturbing pattern of abusive and controlling behavior directed at his former partner, revealing a campaign of psychological and emotional manipulation that spanned over a year.

According to court records, Rowand engaged in a series of highly invasive and coercive actions aimed at asserting dominance and instilling fear in his partner. One of the most troubling aspects of his abuse involved coercing her to install a tracking application on her mobile device, allowing him to monitor her movements constantly. This invasive surveillance was complemented by repeated late-night video calls, during which he demanded to see that she was sleeping alone, further emphasizing his controlling nature.

In addition to these invasive tactics, Rowand insisted that his partner prove she was not wearing makeup. During video calls, he instructed her to wipe her face with tissues to demonstrate she was not wearing any foundation or cosmetic products. His controlling behavior extended to her employment, as he demanded she quit her job, and he also downloaded her WhatsApp account without her consent, attempting to contact her ex-husband in an effort to create distance and estrangement in her personal relationships.

Furthermore, Rowand repeatedly breached bail conditions, despite being under restrictions designed to prevent contact with his victim. His actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for legal boundaries, as he continued to communicate with her illicitly. The victim described their relationship, which began in 2022, as 'toxic,' highlighting the emotional toll and the oppressive environment she endured.

During the summer of 2023, Rowand's behavior escalated when he instructed his partner to install the tracking app again, despite clear evidence that he continued to accuse her of lying about her whereabouts. His temper was volatile; he frequently yelled and cursed at her over minor incidents, often calling her offensive names, further illustrating the abusive nature of their interactions.

Beyond the domestic abuse charges, Rowand admitted to involvement in drug-related activities, including the supply of cannabis and ecstasy. He also faced charges related to breaches of bail restrictions, attempted assaults in Elgin, and driving without insurance or a valid license. His defense acknowledged that his behavior was well below acceptable standards but pointed out that he was participating in rehabilitative programs aimed at addressing his conduct.

The sheriff overseeing the case described Rowand’s conduct as 'reprehensible' and emphasized that all opportunities for avoiding a custodial sentence had been exhausted. While acknowledging the support of his family, the court made it clear that Rowand had squandered every chance for meaningful change. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to serve 15 months in prison and will be prohibited from contacting his former partner for the next five years, in an effort to protect her from further harm.