FORFAR MAN STEVEN MCDIARMDID CONVICTED OF DOMESTIC ABUSE IN SHOCKING CASE

A jury has found Steven McDiarmid, a resident of Forfar, guilty of a prolonged and disturbing campaign of domestic abuse that spanned over three and a half years. The conviction follows a detailed trial where evidence revealed a pattern of violent and controlling behavior directed at his former partner.

Throughout this period, McDiarmid subjected his ex-partner to physical assaults, including throttling her, pushing her against walls, and standing on her feet to prevent her from escaping. These aggressive acts demonstrated a clear intent to dominate and intimidate her. Despite being charged and subsequently released on bail, McDiarmid was under a court order to stay away from the woman, a condition designed to prevent further contact or harassment. However, he flagrantly violated these restrictions by approaching her at the Forfar Indoor Sports Centre and sending her emails on no fewer than seven separate occasions.

The court heard that McDiarmid, aged 58, had a history of previous convictions related to threatening and abusive behavior, as well as assaulting the same woman. During the trial, he denied the allegations of domestic abuse, but the evidence presented painted a different picture. Witnesses and court reports detailed how he questioned her about her whereabouts, demanded access to her mobile phone, and exhibited jealous and controlling tendencies. His behavior included kicking her once on the leg, pushing her, and physically restraining her by pinning her to walls. The violence escalated to punching and repeatedly seizing her by the throat, actions that severely restricted her breathing and caused her significant distress.

In addition to physical violence, McDiarmid's conduct was marked by aggressive shouting, swearing, and persistent harassment through unwanted emails. His obsession with monitoring her extended beyond personal encounters; he followed her to her workplace in his Range Rover and appeared at locations where she was expected to be, further demonstrating his relentless and invasive behavior.

McDiarmid's legal troubles began earlier, with his first appearance in Dundee court in August 2021, where he faced similar allegations. Despite being granted bail with strict conditions, he admitted to breaching these by meeting the woman at a sports center and sending her multiple emails last year. The court has deferred sentencing until next month, pending the preparation of reports, and he remains on bail with a scheduled return date of June 5.

These court proceedings and the recent conviction underscore the ongoing challenge of addressing domestic abuse cases and highlight the judicial system's efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and protect victims from further harm.