Sales boss threat to ‘ annihilate’ his ex
High flying sales manager Thomas Lafferty has been found guilty of threatening to “annihilate” his ex.
His former wife Yvonne Henderson was forced to put her Ayr home in lockdown after he rang and made the menacing statement on April 3.
Hidden behind a screen out of his view, brave Yvonne, 40, took to the stand at Ayr Sheriff Court last week to testify.
Sitting in the dock wearing a yellow tie and suit, Lafferty, 41, watched the mother- of this children give evidence against him on a screen.
She explained how the call came through while she lounged on the couch with partner Gary Biggar, 44.
There had been tensions following a family dispute - which triggered the phone, she said.
Lafferty, of Fullarton Street, in the town, let out a loud bellow that was so loud she didn’t put the mobile to her ear, she told the court.
Yvonne said she heard a “roar” and the words: ‘ I’m going to f***** g annihilate you two’
Lafferty repeated the threat and warned that Gary should run.
Yvonne added: “Thomas said: ‘ He better start running. I’m on my way.’”
She continued: “I knew he was coming to my door - I knew by the tone of his voice.” Terrified, she sprang into action, putting the chain on the front door, phoning the police and steering clear of the windows of her Seafield property.
She said: “I was terrified. I was scared he would come in and beat me up like he did before.”
Beltrami Lawyer David Fitzpatrick, defending, said Gary had made threats and the couple had concocted the incident.
He accused Yvonne of making up the accusation.
When Gary appeared as a witness he described hearing Lafferty say “he was coming to the house to annihilate myself and Yvonne.”
Depute fiscal Lynda Carnochan said to Gary: “It might be put to you that this is a concocted story.” He replied: “It happened.”
Mr Fitzpatrick accused Mr Biggar of making threats.
Lafferty, Scottish Sales manager at Mail Newspapers, denied behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting, swearing, and uttering violent threats towards Yvonne.
But after hearing all the evidence Sheriff Carole Cunninghame found him guilty on Friday afternoon. She has deferred sentencing for reports. Speaking after the verdict, Yvonne said: “I feel a huge sense of relief. But I don’t wish him any harm. I just want to live my life in peace. I hope the court grants me a non- harassment order.”