Abusive boyfriend took control of social media

For the first time since the pandemic began, members have been able to stage a display of their art work in the town’s library.

And they hope locals will take the time to drop in and savour the fruits of their pandemic labours.

The long-running group has a membership of around 50 local artists from around Angus and meets in the Arbroath Old and Abbey Church hall.

The group also normally enjoys outings during

AN abusive boyfriend tried to control his partner’s social media activity and demanded screenshots of who she was talking to.

Charles Patton closely monitored his then-girlfriend’s account and repeatedly quizzed her about it during a seven-week campaign of cruelty.

The 31-year-old appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court and admitted engaging in a course of abusive behaviour towards his victim, described in court papers as his partner or ex-partner.

Patton repeatedly messaged the woman, questioning why she was on social media and who she was chatting with, the court was told.

He monitored her online status and activity, demanding screenshots of her calls and messages showing who she talking to.

Patton, of Glenclova Terrace, Forfar, accused his then-partner of messaging other men and claimed she was unfaithful.

The court heard he monitored her messages and demanded to see them. He took her mobile phone and read her texts without consent.

The single charge states Patton behaved in a controlling and coercive way. The abuse ran from August 16 to October 3, this year.

Defence solicitor Michael Boyd said his client suffered from mental health issues.

Prosecutors accepted a plea of not guilty to a second charge of breaching an undertaking.

Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown deferred the case for background reports, while a non-harassment order is considered.

Patton was released on bail and was told to return to court for sentencing on February 3.

Patton was charged under the Domestic Abuse Act which was introduced three years ago and is aimed at criminalising psychological domestic abuse.

Charles Patton from Forfar.