FORMER OIL BOSS ORDERED TO STAY AWAY FROM WIFE AFTER THROWING BABY CHANGING MAT AT HER
A former oil firm boss has been ordered to stay away from his wife after he threw a baby changing mat at her.John Gibson, aged 70, became intoxicated during the festive period and turned violent towards his wife, telling her "it’s all your fault" before hurling a baby changing mat in her direction.He was meant to be abstaining from alcohol but resumed drinking during the holiday season.Gibson was arrested earlier this year in January after he was caught more than three times the legal drink-drive limit.He admitted to a charge of assaulting his wife by throwing the baby mat at her.
According to the court, the incident occurred on January 4 when his wife was in their shared bedroom, taking a lateral flow test.
She was waiting for the results when Gibson entered and started tampering with the tests.Feeling upset, his wife expressed her displeasure, after which Gibson suddenly threw the baby changing mat without warning, striking her on the shoulder and head.
He then left the room shouting and swearing.Gibson’s defense lawyer explained that he had a longstanding history of alcohol addiction, which had negatively impacted his life, including the loss of his successful 25-year-old oilfield services business during the downturn in the oil and gas industry.
This financial hardship led to his bankruptcy and the loss of his family home, which drove him towards alcohol abuse.Sentencing, Sheriff Kevin Duffy acknowledged Gibson’s issues but emphasized that such behavior was unacceptable.
He sentenced Gibson to a community payback order with two years of supervision and 100 hours of unpaid work.
Additionally, a non-harassment order was imposed, requiring Gibson to stay away from his wife for 12 months.
