SIMON JOHNSTON

ELGIN MAN WHO THROTTLED WIFE DURING ABUSE CAMPAIGN IS SPARED JAIL

A Moray man found guilty of throttling his wife has been spared jail.Simon Johnston was convicted of assaulting Arlene Johnston during a trial at Elgin Sheriff Court last month.The 47-year-old, from Bisset Beat in Elgin, appeared again to be sentenced for the assault and three other offences.He was convicted of breaching the peace by shouting and swearing at Mrs Johnston, calling her derogatory names, during a period between July 1 and August 31, 2009.Additionally, Johnston was found guilty of seizing her by the neck and applying pressure, which caused her to struggle for breath, and pressing his knee against her back between September 1 and November 30, 2013.He was also convicted of behaving threateningly by shouting and swearing in her face during the same time frame.Furthermore, Johnston admitted to breaching bail conditions by calling Mrs Johnston on June 5 to say that he loved her.Yesterday, the court ordered Johnston to complete 140 hours of unpaid work within nine months and to pay his wife £350 in compensation.A non-harassment order was also imposed to prevent him from approaching or contacting his estranged wife for two years.The solicitor representing Johnston, Brent Lockie, argued that he should avoid prison, mentioning the significant effects the convictions already had on him, including losing his job.

Mr Lockie said: “The more serious offences date from some time ago.

My client lost a job over this, so he has been the author of his own misfortune.

His conduct resulted in serious consequences for him.”However, Sheriff Chris Dickson commented that, “These incidents are of some vintage, and you have a minor record,” indicating a degree of leniency in sentencing.