MAN TOLD GIRLFRIEND HE WOULD KILL HER IF SHE LEFT HIM DURING ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP
Robert Cook of McIntosh Drive in Elgin was involved in a 20-month relationship that was marred by violent and threatening behaviour, as revealed during a hearing at Inverness Sheriff Court.The relationship began in July 2022.
After returning from a Shetland holiday in February 2023, Cook reacted angrily when his partner received a message from a male friend.
Deputy Fiscal Susan Love informed Sheriff Ian Cruickshank that: "She was in the front seat and he began shouting and swearing at her, making her cry.
“He began driving erratically and undertook a lorry, making her fear for her life." Ms Love detailed several episodes spanning the following year, including Cook throwing a jacket that caused bruising, and engaging in shouting matches during a brief holiday.
The court also heard that Cook had further altercations, during which he gripped her wrists and pressed his head against hers, resulting in bruised wrists.
Threatening messages from Cook included warnings about burning her clothes and insults, which demonstrated his inability to accept their breakup.
He reportedly told her: “leave me and I will kill you.” Defence solicitor Mike Chapman stated that Cook acknowledged his conduct was unacceptable and had begun efforts to improve his emotional control through sessions with a life coach.
The sheriff ordered Cook, who admitted to a pattern of abusive behavior towards his partner from February 2023 to February 2024, to complete 200 hours of unpaid community service as a substitute for jail time.
He was also subjected to a two-year social work supervision condition and was barred from contacting or approaching the victim for five years.
