GREENOCK DOMESTIC ABUSER GIVEN FINAL CHANCE TO AVOID JAIL
A GREENOCK man behind a horrific campaign of domestic abuse has been given one final chance to comply with a court's instructions - and has been warned that he'll go to jail if he doesn't fall into line.Paul Molloy was convicted earlier this year of subjecting his former partner to violent attacks between November 2019 and May 2021.
The 35-year-old grabbed the woman by her hair and repeatedly struck her head against a wall and pushed her, causing her to fall to the ground to her injury.
In another incident, he referred to his victim in derogatory terms and accused her of infidelity while standing over her holding a crowbar.
Molloy, of Trafalgar Street, also questioned the woman’s use of social media, as well as repeatedly attempting to access her accounts.
And on one occasion he smashed her phone against a wall.
READ MORE: Greenock man spared jail after domestic abuse conviction In April, Sheriff Nicola Patrick made him subject to a community payback order (CPO) as a direct alternative to custody.
The order requires him to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work, and put him under social work supervision for two years.
Sentencing Molloy, Sheriff Patrick said that a background report by a social worker had identified a "degree of minimalisation" by Molloy of his behaviour.
Molloy returned to Greenock Sheriff Court this week for a review of his order, with Sheriff James Varney describing his lack of compliance with a ‘programme requirement’ as ‘astonishing’.
He said a report detailing Molloy's progress, or lack of it, on his CPO offered a ‘very negative view of Mr Molloy’.
Sheriff Varney added: “The report is staggering in terms of his conduct.
“He knew at the time that this was a direct alternative to custody.
“He knows that in not completing it, he opens himself up to that.
“It’s at the forefront of my mind right now.” The sheriff also raised concerns about Molloy’s attitude towards the social workers who had been asked to prepare the report.
Defence solicitor Aidan Gallagher said: “I would ask that he, having heard quite clearly your lordship’s comments from the bench, is given an opportunity to see whether or not engagement can be achieved.” Sheriff Varney told Molloy: “I’m not impressed.
It’s probably quite clear to you.
“You have absolutely shown no insight into your offending behaviour at all.
It’s frankly astonishing.
“It’s open for me to revoke this order now and send you to custody.
“I’m going to ask you to reflect on this for eight weeks to see if you can comply with this programme requirement.
“I expect to see some positive engagement with the social work department.” Molloy will return to court on October 9 for a further review.
