PERTH RUGBY STAR'S PARTICIPATION IN WORLD CUP IN JEOPARDY AFTER DOMESTIC OFFENCE
An army veteran-turned-wheelchair rugby star, John Willans, is at risk of being prevented from participating in next year’s world cup after being convicted of a domestic offence.Willans was found guilty following a court trial of threatening behaviour against his then-partner, a serving police officer, at her home in Kinross.
The court heard that on November 19 of the previous year, he shouted, swore, and made derogatory remarks during the incident.
He entered the property uninvited, refused to leave, and repeatedly struck doors and windows.
Returning to Perth Sheriff Court for sentencing, Willans' lawyer requested an absolute discharge, citing his 'exceptional' background.
The court heard that Willans is a former soldier who served in active combat zones around the world, including the Falklands, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo, joining the army in December 1998.
He was medically discharged after sustaining serious injuries in a 2017 accident involving a bus during a UN peacekeeping deployment in South Sudan.
Since then, he has built a career in disability sports and was due to compete for Scotland in the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in Australia.
However, his participation has been jeopardized after a sheriff rejected the plea for an absolute discharge.
Solicitor David Holmes highlighted Willans' service and character, describing his background as 'exceptional' and emphasizing his contributions to his country.
Holmes explained that the offence was a reaction to a perceived breach of trust, and noted suspicions and denials leading up to the incident.
Despite these pleas, Sheriff Alison McKay sentenced Willans to a £500 fine and issued a non-harassment order forbidding him from contact with his ex-partner for six months.
The sheriff stated that although she appreciated his military service, his behaviour was unreasonable, characterized as 'bullying and hectoring,' and driven by an outburst where he called his partner a 'slag.' She concluded that his conduct was not justified and that he had no reason to attend her home, implying he hoped to confront her.
The court's decision prevents him from participating in the upcoming tournament, and his actions are categorized under domestic abuse.
