HUNTLY MAN MARK RIGBY SENTENCED FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE IN ABERDEEN COURT

A man from Huntly, Mark Rigby, who inflicted a prolonged and disturbing pattern of domestic violence on his partner over a span of five years, has been ordered by the court to stay away from her for a significant period. The case was heard at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, where Rigby, aged 50, admitted to a series of violent and abusive behaviors, including frequent drunken outbursts and verbal assaults that escalated to physical violence.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Rigby had physically throttled his partner on multiple occasions. His verbal abuse was also severe, with instances of him hurling derogatory and hurtful comments at her while she was working behind a bar in Huntly. The court heard that Rigby’s alcohol consumption was a contributing factor, as he would become increasingly intoxicated and aggressive during these episodes.

Representing himself in court, Rigby expressed remorse and speculated that his past military service might have played a role in his abusive tendencies. He described his actions as “nasty” and acknowledged the seriousness of his conduct. Sheriff Graham Buchan, presiding over the case, responded by ordering Rigby to refrain from any contact with his former partner for a period of five years, emphasizing the gravity of the offences.

Prosecutor Rebecca Coakley provided detailed testimony about the nature of the abuse. She explained that the victim described Rigby as “extremely aggressive and volatile,” often calling her derogatory names that left her feeling frightened. The court was told that Rigby’s violence was predictable, especially when he was intoxicated, with the victim fearing physical or verbal attacks once they returned home.

The court detailed that Rigby’s violence included strangulation, where he would squeeze her neck with enough force to impair her breathing. The incident on the day of her father’s funeral was particularly distressing, as Rigby, heavily intoxicated, continued his verbal abuse, adding to her grief during a difficult time. The victim was deeply upset by this, especially given her recent loss and her attempt to mourn her father.

Following this incident, Rigby’s behavior deteriorated further. A few months later, the victim confided in him her desire to leave the relationship. His response was threatening, telling her she could never leave him. The situation escalated at Huntly Golf Club, where Rigby made offensive remarks towards her. As they walked home around 6 pm, he accused her of “going back” to another man and verbally assaulted her. The confrontation turned physical when Rigby pushed her on both shoulders, causing her to trip and fall onto the pavement, hitting her head.

On another occasion, the victim was so frightened by Rigby’s behavior that she screamed for help. Two customers in the bar responded and came to her aid. Following this incident, she contacted the police. Rigby was interviewed and admitted to drinking heavily and experiencing blackouts during these episodes. In court, he pleaded guilty to engaging in a course of conduct that was abusive towards his partner.

Rigby, who represented himself, claimed he had “no idea what had happened” during the incidents due to his blackouts, which he said he could not remember. Despite this, he expressed remorse and stated he believed the victim’s account. He also questioned whether his military background contributed to his condition.

Sheriff Buchanan acknowledged Rigby’s acknowledgment of his issues and noted that he appeared to seek help. The sheriff emphasized the seriousness of the offences, highlighting the prolonged period over which the abuse occurred and the physical violence involved. While considering a custodial sentence, the sheriff decided against imprisonment, citing Rigby’s lack of prior convictions and his guilty plea at the earliest opportunity.

Instead, Rigby was sentenced to a community payback order with supervision for two years, along with 120 hours of unpaid work. A non-harassment order was also issued, prohibiting him from approaching his former partner for five years. Additionally, he was ordered to participate in a two-year domestic abuse programme. The court’s decision aims to address both punishment and rehabilitation, ensuring Rigby remains under supervision and does not pose further harm to his victim.

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