PORT GLASGOW MAN SPARED JAIL TIME FOR YEAR-LONG CAMPAIGN OF DOMESTIC ABUSE
A PORT Glasgow man has been spared a prison sentence for subjecting his former partner to a year-long campaign of ‘coercive and controlling’ domestic abuse.James Forbes, 22, appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court this week for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to the offence.
His abusive behaviour occurred at addresses in Port Glasgow, a hotel on Glasgow and a holiday lodge in Girvan.
Between August 2023 and August 2024, Forbes grabbed the woman by her hair on several occasions.
During one incident, he injured her by stamping on her foot.
He also made offensive remarks about her deceased relative, as well as punching her face on a separate occasion.
Forbes further admitted throwing the woman’s phone to the ground and stamping on it, causing it to smash.
He also repeatedly sent her offensive and abusive messages via telephone, messaging services, and banking applications.
At the latest calling of the case, defence solicitor Amy Spencer told the court her client had shown insight into his offending in the body of a background report prepared by a social worker.
Ms Spencer said Forbes was assessed as being a medium risk of reoffending, and argued that he may benefit from social work supervision – as opposed to completing a custodial sentence.
Sheriff James Varney told Forbes: “I’ve no doubt your behaviour had a significant impact on the complainer.
“This was a sustained period of coercive and controlling behaviour, which involved a degree of physical violence.” Referencing sentencing guidelines for under-25s, the sheriff said the primary focus of Forbes’ sentence must be rehabilitation.
Sheriff Varney added: “I am just persuaded I can take that alternative to custody.” Forbes, of Southfield Avenue, was placed under supervision for the next 30 months.
He will also be required to wear an electronic tag and adhere to a curfew for a period of 12 months.
Sheriff Varney further ordered Forbes to refrain from approaching or contacting the woman for five years.
