Victim locked in cupboard sent text pleading for help

A WOMAN texted a friend for help from inside a locked cupboard as police searched the flat of her abusive boyfriend in Forfar.

The court heard how Daniel Christopher, 35, would grab the woman’s throat, yell at her, spit on her face and grab her phone from her.

At one point, after police were called to his Don Road flat, his victim had to text for help from inside a locked cupboard.

The terrified woman messaged a friend: “I’m in the cupboard, they haven’t found me yet.”

Forfar Sheriff Court heard he would yell names at her, calling her “trash” and saying she would not be able to find other partners.

She told police he showed signs of extreme jealousy and would repeatedly use language to “put her down”.

After he slapped her on the face on April 19 he screamed “you deserved that” at her.

In another callous act, Christopher poured coconut milk over his victim’s hair after she had washed it.

She told the police she had begged him to stop.

In mitigation, his defence solicitor Billy Watt said: “Mr Christopher has shown significant signs of remorse.

“He has written a letter of apology to the complainer.” Sentencing Christopher to two years’ supervision, Sheriff Jillian MartinBrown said: “Domestic abuse is a serious issue and you will be placed on a specialist programme.”

Christopher pled guilty to engaging in a course of behaviour abusive to his former partner by acting in a coercive and controlling manner between February 1 and July 20.

He also admitted several bail breaches and possessing £200 worth of cannabis.

He was released from custody on the condition he takes part in a domestic abuse rehabilitation programme.

He must remain under the supervision of social workers for two years and inform them of any intimate relationship he enters.

All accommodation he resides in must be approved by the social work department.

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