VIOLENT THUG JAILED FOR SHOCKING CAMPAIGN OF DOMESTIC ABUSE OF GIRLFRIEND
A man known for violence who coerced his girlfriend into creating an Only Fans account during a brutal period of domestic violence has received a 14-month prison sentence.Kenneth Taggart compelled his partner to upload intimate images on the adult content platform to generate income, and after these initial efforts failed to produce sufficient funds, he persuaded her to share more explicit material.
It was also claimed that during their relationship at various locations in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Pitlochry, Taggart physically assaulted the woman multiple times, leaving her in pain.
The 35-year-old chef was eventually apprehended following concerns from a neighbour who heard a violent incident in Edinburgh, where Taggart choked the woman and limited her breathing for roughly 30 seconds in December 2021.
During a hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in August, Taggart admitted to a pattern of abusive behaviour toward his partner.
He faced sentencing today, Wednesday, October 11.
Defence lawyer Eugene Boyle noted that Taggart had previously worked as a chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant and had entered rehab after his arrest.
Mr Boyle stated that his client acknowledged his wrongdoing, has not consumed drugs since, and that imprisonment would hinder him from addressing personal issues.
He requested the sheriff to avoid a custodial sentence.
Sheriff Douglas Keir condemned the attacks as disgraceful and deemed incarceration necessary, describing the conduct as reprehensible.
Accordingly, Taggart, who is from Rutherglen, Glasgow, was sentenced to 14 months in jail and ordered not to contact the woman for five years through a non-harassment order.
Earlier, prosecutor Matthew Millar outlined that Taggart and the woman met online in January 2020 and moved into a Glasgow flat six months later.
The woman took leave from work to facilitate the move, and Taggart encouraged her to create an Only Fans account to boost their income.
Mr Millar explained that, despite her reluctance, the woman was pressured into the account by Taggart, who then monitored her messages after obtaining her login details.
Over time, when the income from the account remained insufficient, Taggart convinced her to post progressively more graphic images.
Several violent incidents involving Taggart attacking the woman were detailed at the hearing.
He was arrested after a neighbour overheard her hysterical screams during an incident in Edinburgh in December 2021, where he also reportedly kicked, punched her, and choked her for about half a minute, applying enough pressure to prevent her breathing.
The woman described her experience as a 'living hell,' often having to lock herself in a bathroom to escape his assaults, highlighting the severity of the abuse she endured throughout their relationship.
