PETER CLARKE HARASSES WIFE IN KIRKINTILLOCH AFTER GUILTY VERDICT IN GLASGOW COURT

Peter Clarke, a 41-year-old engineer from Kirkintilloch, was recently found guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court of engaging in a pattern of domestic violence and harassment directed at his wife, Stacy Drain. The court proceedings revealed that Clarke's abusive conduct persisted over a lengthy period, beginning in January 2021 and continuing through August 2022.

During this time, Clarke's actions included physical assaults, persistent harassment, and the covert installation of hidden cameras within their shared environment to monitor Stacy’s movements and activities. Stacy, who is a 39-year-old critical care nurse, recounted her harrowing experience, stating, “After escaping years of death threats and violence, I thought I would get respite when Peter was remanded in prison. But he used the system to continue his relentless harassment from behind bars, leaving me physically shaking and paralysed with fear.”

Despite being incarcerated, Clarke did not cease his abusive behavior. He continued to send threatening and abusive letters to Stacy, which caused her significant distress. When she sought assistance from the Scottish Prison Service, she was told that they were unable to intervene unless a formal non-harassment order was in place. Stacy expressed her frustration, saying, “I was told all the prison could do was ask him not to do it, but only when my MP got involved did the letters and packages stop.”

Further aggravating her ordeal was the revelation that Clarke was released on bail in February without her being informed. Stacy voiced her outrage over this breach of communication, stating, “I had no idea Peter had been freed. I had no idea that I should have been on high alert and watching out for him. Anything could have happened. It was a gross betrayal of a domestic abuse victim.”

Clarke’s attempts to evade restrictions were evident when he rented a flat near Kirkintilloch, which allowed him to continue his harassment of Stacy. This led to additional complaints from her about his persistent unwanted contact. Clarke is scheduled to face sentencing later this month, as Stacy continues to campaign for systemic reforms to better protect victims of domestic abuse, especially in cases where the system appears to have failed.