JOHN ALLAN FROM MAUCHLINE SENTENCED IN AYR FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE AND HARASSMENT

A man from Mauchline has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of subjecting his former partner to a series of frightening and aggressive acts. John Allan, aged 43, was convicted by a sheriff of threatening and intimidating the woman at a property within the town. The court heard that Allan engaged in a sustained campaign of abuse against the woman over several months, from October 2021 through January 2022.

According to the court proceedings, Allan was responsible for sending her threatening emails and making repeated phone calls during the period from November 1 to December 10, 2021. These communications included direct threats and warnings, as well as instructions for her to avoid social gatherings, which added to the distress and fear experienced by the victim. The court also noted that Allan contacted the woman’s mother, urging her to facilitate contact with police and to allow Allan to communicate with her.

Furthermore, Allan persistently sent the woman numerous unwanted emails, often asking her to meet with him despite her clear disinterest. In a particularly troubling act, he sent her a card containing an engagement ring, which was viewed as an intimidating gesture. The case took a further disturbing turn when, on New Year’s Day of 2022, Allan contacted the woman’s employer, revealing personal details about her and questioning her suitability as an employee. This act was seen as an attempt to undermine her reputation and cause her professional harm.

Following a trial, Allan was found guilty of these actions. During the sentencing hearing at Ayr Sheriff Court last week, his defense solicitor, Ashley Kane, argued that her client believed he had been manipulated and goaded by the woman, but she acknowledged that Allan accepted responsibility for his conduct. Ms. Kane emphasized that a behavioral intervention program would not be appropriate in this case and requested that the sheriff consider a less restrictive sentence.

However, Sheriff Siobhan Connelly addressed Allan directly, stating, “I heard all the evidence, and convicted you under Section 1 of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act. This is a serious charge with multiple elements to the behaviour. In these circumstances, where you do not accept responsibility and have made it clear you would not engage, given the serious nature of the charge I have no option but to send you to custody.”

As a result, Allan was sentenced to six months in prison. Additionally, a non-harassment order was issued, prohibiting him from any form of contact with the victim until July 2026, in an effort to protect her from further abuse or intimidation.