ABERDEEN MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SUSTAINED DOMESTIC ABUSE AND COERCIVE BEHAVIOUR
Patrick Gaughan, a 31-year-old man, was involved in a series of abusive and controlling behaviors towards his partner over a period of almost nine months.The Crown Court documented that Gaughan subjected his long-term partner to sustained domestic abuse, including threatening her with a knife to coerce her into paying off his drug debts to a Glasgow gang.
During the incident, Gaughan brandished a knife and attempted to twist the lock of a bathroom door while the woman was inside, ultimately forcing her to hand over her bank card after she hid in the bathroom for two hours.
Gaughan then snatched her card and threatened her, holding a knife at his waist and warning her she needed to return the card.
She threw the card back at him, but feeling under duress, she later snatched it back when she saw he was holding a knife.
After Gaughan left, her bank notifications confirmed £750 had been illegally withdrawn from her account.
The pattern of abuse continued with Gaughan engaging in heavy drinking, shouting, swearing, and gambling.
He issued threats regarding her baby and their relationship, including claims he would take the child away and ruin her life.
She eventually moved away but the abusive behaviors persisted, prompting her to report the matter to the police.
Gaughan contacted her repeatedly via text messages—over 50 in total—before being arrested.
He subsequently pleaded guilty to engaging in a course of behavior that was abusive of his partner.
His defense highlighted issues such as excessive alcohol and substance abuse, gambling, and a life that was 'out of control.' Judge Lesley Johnston described the offence as a sustained period of domestic abuse involving controlling and coercive conduct.
As a sentence, Gaughan was given two years of supervision, 180 hours of unpaid work, and a requirement to complete the Caledonian program.
Additionally, a three-year non-harassment order was imposed against him.
