MARK MCKERNIE FROM CONON BRIDGE ORDERED TO STAY AWAY FROM EX-WIFE AFTER YEARS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

A 35-year-old self-employed joiner named Mark McKernie, who resides in Conon Bridge, has been legally mandated to keep a significant distance from his former wife for the next four years. This ruling comes after a prolonged period marked by domestic abuse that spanned several years, during which McKernie’s behavior grew increasingly aggressive and concerning. Sheriff Gary Aitken issued the order, emphasizing the importance of protecting the victim and preventing further harm. In addition to the restraining order, Sheriff Aitken advised McKernie to abstain from alcohol consumption, highlighting that sobriety could contribute positively to his life and the safety of those around him.

According to prosecutor Adelle Gray, the escalation of McKernie’s abusive conduct began in 2020, shortly after his ex-wife returned from a visit to Inverness with her family. During this period, McKernie’s suspicion and controlling tendencies manifested through invasive questioning about her whereabouts and the people she was with. He demanded proof of her interactions, displaying a pattern of mistrust and possessiveness. The situation worsened in 2021 when McKernie forcibly took her mobile phone, attempting to scrutinize its contents. During this incident, he injured her fingers, demonstrating a willingness to use physical force to exert control.

That same year, McKernie engaged in self-harm by smashing a plate over his own head, an act that underscored his troubled mental state. Despite their relationship ending, McKernie continued to harass his ex-wife through persistent messaging, often seeking reconciliation. His behavior was particularly invasive and threatening while she was pregnant, as he accused her of infidelity and even claimed that their child was not his. Ms Gray detailed how McKernie kept questioning her about her personal life, threatened to review CCTV footage after she went out for an evening, and sent a barrage of abusive messages that persisted into May 2024. The culmination of his harassment was a menacing voicemail, in which he, intoxicated, swore at her and made violent threats, including a statement that her father would have his skull battered.

During the court proceedings, defense lawyer Rory Gowans acknowledged that although the marriage had ended, McKernie and his ex-wife continued to live together, and that McKernie was drinking excessively. Sheriff Aitken responded by stressing that if McKernie abstained from alcohol, his life and the lives of those around him would likely improve significantly. The sheriff condemned McKernie’s behavior as 'completely unacceptable' but also recognized that he appeared to be aware of his issues and was making efforts to change. As part of the court’s sentence, McKernie was placed under social work supervision for a period of three years and ordered to participate in the Caledonia Programme, which is designed for men who have abused their partners. Furthermore, he was fined £840 under the Communications Act for his abusive messages and threatening voicemail.

This case highlights the ongoing importance of accountability in domestic abuse cases and demonstrates the court’s commitment to taking concrete measures to prevent future incidents. The court’s actions serve as a reminder of the serious consequences of abusive behavior and the need for ongoing support and intervention to protect victims and promote healthier relationships.