WILLIAM PETRIE'S DOMESTIC ABUSE TERROR IN DUNDEE: COURT IMPOSES STRICT CONDITIONS

William Petrie, a 27-year-old man with a troubling history of domestic violence, has recently faced a series of legal restrictions aimed at curbing his abusive behavior in Dundee. The court has mandated that Petrie must seek prior approval from his assigned social worker before engaging with women on dating applications, a measure designed to prevent further harassment and abuse.

In addition to this, Petrie is now required to declare any romantic or potentially romantic relationship that extends beyond a first meeting. This stipulation is part of a stringent court order intended to monitor his interactions with women closely. The court's order specifies that any relationship involving more than one encounter qualifies as a 'relationship' that must be reported to social services.

Furthermore, Petrie must inform social workers about any communication he maintains with women via social media platforms if the intent is to establish or continue a romantic connection. These conditions were imposed following his latest conviction, which stemmed from a pattern of abusive conduct that included sending a distressing photograph of himself on a bridge to his former partner, Sarah O’Neill, after threatening to commit suicide.

Details of his past convictions reveal a disturbing pattern. Petrie has been previously convicted six times for domestic abuse and has served two separate jail sentences for harassing former partners. His criminal record underscores the ongoing risk he poses to women, prompting the court to impose a sentence of 200 hours of unpaid work and a two-year period of supervision by social workers.

During the sentencing, Dundee sheriff Gregor Murray emphasized the severity of Petrie’s actions. He also ordered Petrie to pass on details of any women he begins to date or communicate with via social media, with the court clarifying that 'relationship' in this context involves more than a single meeting.

Despite complying with the court’s initial terms, Petrie resumed contact with his ex-girlfriend, Sarah O’Neill, as soon as he was legally permitted to do so. The case details reveal that in June 2021, Ms. O’Neill was at Dundee’s Market Bar, having a drink with a friend, when she stepped outside to smoke. She noticed Petrie’s car and spoke to him. Petrie then expressed concern that she had been caught on CCTV speaking to him, implying that such footage could jeopardize her access to her child if social workers saw it.

Over the subsequent three months, Petrie’s harassment intensified. He engaged in a campaign of intimidation, including terrifying her while she was a passenger in his vehicle later that June. Just days after making contact, he threatened to crash the car during a lift, further escalating his abusive behavior.

His abusive conduct did not cease even when he was incarcerated. In late August, Petrie confronted Ms. O’Neill’s family at a property in Monifieth, where he verbally abused her and then brandished a metal pole outside her home, challenging a male relative to a fight. Less than two weeks later, in a fit of rage, he pushed Ms. O’Neill to the ground and placed both hands on her throat, an act that prompted police intervention and led to his remand at Perth Prison.

Despite being behind bars, Petrie continued to harass Ms. O’Neill through associates, sending her numerous messages from December through January. These messages came from both strangers and acquaintances linked to Petrie, further demonstrating his persistent pattern of abuse.

During the recent court hearing, Sheriff Gregor Murray described the case as a harrowing example of sustained abuse. He remarked, ‘You’ve just heard a harrowing narrative of facts. It’s hard to imagine a more sustained campaign.’ The sheriff also referenced Petrie’s previous convictions, noting, ‘You have six previous convictions all featuring some form of domestic abuse. You show little or any remorse. I have no doubt you pose a risk of serious harm to others, particularly women.’ The court’s decision reflects a clear effort to prevent future harm and protect potential victims from Petrie’s ongoing abusive tendencies.