STEWART URQUHART FROM GLENROTHES SENTENCED FOR LONG-TERM ABUSE AND THREATS

A man from Fife, specifically the town of Glenrothes, has been formally sentenced to serve time in prison after a prolonged period of abusive and threatening behavior directed towards his former partner. Stewart Urquhart, aged 37, was found guilty of harassing his ex-girlfriend for over two years following their breakup, during which he engaged in a series of intimidating and aggressive acts that caused significant distress.

The court heard that Urquhart’s harassment included the repeated sending of threatening images, notably pictures of weapons such as a rifle, a knuckleduster, and a sword. These messages were sent after their relationship had ended, serving as a clear indication of his intent to intimidate and threaten her. The prosecution, led by Laura McManus, detailed how Urquhart also accused the woman of infidelity, which added to the emotional strain she endured.

Furthermore, Urquhart issued threats of self-harm, shouted and swore at her, and made derogatory remarks over a span of more than eight years. The court was told that the abuse intensified after January 2019, with the situation escalating in severity. When the woman began a new relationship, Urquhart did not cease his harassment. Instead, he repeatedly called her, attempting to assert control and intimidate her further.

One particularly alarming incident involved Urquhart sending an email containing images of an automatic rifle, a knuckleduster, a sword, and a baton, accompanied by the chilling message: “Tell them I will be ready.” This email exemplified the threatening nature of his conduct. In July 2020, the woman returned home to find Urquhart waiting outside her residence. He called her ‘disgusting’ and accused her of wearing underwear he had purchased for her while she was with other men, further demonstrating his obsessive and controlling behavior.

Urquhart also made multiple phone calls to her, claiming to know her whereabouts and threatening to withdraw insurance payments for her car. He accused her of cosmetic enhancements for another man, adding to the list of derogatory and invasive actions. When she refused to give him access to her phone, Urquhart reacted violently, punching a wall in frustration.

During the court proceedings, Urquhart admitted to engaging in a course of abusive behavior from April 2019 to August 2021. It was also revealed that he had previously behaved in a threatening or abusive manner between May 2013 and March 2019, indicating a pattern of coercive and controlling conduct over several years. All of these incidents took place within the town of Glenrothes.

Urquhart pleaded guilty to all charges during the hearing. His legal representative acknowledged that he had shown some insight into his actions, though this did not mitigate the seriousness of his conduct. The sheriff, Charles Macnair, sentenced Urquhart to 13 and a half months in prison. Additionally, a five-year non-harassment order was imposed to prevent further contact or abuse.

Sheriff Macnair emphasized that Urquhart’s behavior was both coercive and controlling, beginning during their relationship and worsening afterward. The court did not disclose details of Urquhart’s previous sentences but highlighted the importance of addressing domestic abuse cases such as this one. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding domestic violence and coercive control. The article concludes by encouraging readers to follow the Courts Facebook page for updates on similar cases and legal developments.