JAMES MCVICAR'S HORRIFIC DUNDEE DOMESTIC ABUSE LEAVES VICTIM IN FEAR

A man from Dundee, James McVicar, has been convicted of a prolonged and violent campaign of domestic abuse against his former partner, which spanned over two years. The court heard that McVicar, who resides at Scott Court in Dundee, engaged in a series of aggressive and controlling behaviors that left the woman in constant fear and physical distress.

Between June 1, 2021, and December 2, 2023, McVicar subjected his partner to relentless intimidation and violence. The sheriff court in Dundee was told how he demanded that she beg him to continue their relationship, exerting emotional pressure alongside physical violence. His actions included making derogatory remarks, repeatedly punching her on the head, and physically seizing her body, often pinning her to the floor in a display of dominance and control.

Witnesses and court records detailed how McVicar accused his partner of infidelity, which fueled his aggressive outbursts. He also made threats, knocked her to the ground, and in a particularly violent incident, knocked her glasses off her face. His brutality extended to dragging her through their home by her hair, an act that caused her significant injury. Additionally, he grabbed her neck, spat at her, and kicked her on various parts of her body, all of which contributed to her physical harm and emotional trauma.

In a separate incident on December 2, 2023, McVicar was also charged with failing to provide a breath sample to police officers who suspected he was drink-driving at Balmoral Terrace in Dundee. This charge was considered alongside his history of violence and controlling behavior.

During the court proceedings, solicitor Jim Laverty highlighted that McVicar has been making efforts to address his alcohol addiction, including a residential stay at Murray Royal Hospital in Perth. Mr. Laverty emphasized that his client continues to engage with alcohol services and is committed to resolving his issues, stating: “He continues to engage with alcohol services. It’s clear that Mr. McVicar is concrete in his wishes and attempts to resolve the issues he has been suffering from.”

However, Sheriff Alastair Carmichael acknowledged the seriousness of McVicar’s actions. While noting that McVicar has no previous convictions for similar offenses and that his behavior was rooted in alcohol addiction, the sheriff emphasized the gravity of the crimes. He said, “The crimes that you committed are serious enough that a prison sentence must be considered. This means I must also look at whether other options can be followed instead.”

As a result, McVicar was not sent to prison but was instead placed under supervision for 18 months. He was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and was subject to a five-month restriction of liberty order, which requires him to remain indoors between 7pm and 7am. Additionally, a non-harassment order was issued against him for three years, prohibiting any contact with his former partner. McVicar was also disqualified from driving for 12 months, reflecting the court’s concern over his behavior and the potential risk to others.