Sheriff slammed man in court for attitude

A Blantyre dad facing domestic abuse charges has been slammed for his“arrogance”.

Sheriff Alasdair Macfadyen said Barry Healy’s attitude towards social workers suggested he was asking to be jailed.

Healy, 42, ofwinton Crescent, admitted charges of threatening or abusive behaviour involving his ex-partner when he appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court last week.

He also admitted making an offensive phone call.

The court heard Healy and Samantha Jackson were together for 17 years.their relationship ended in July last year.

Emma Mcginley, prosecuting, said Ms Jackson attended a christening on October 26 then went to the Horseshoe Bar in Uddingston.

Healy turned up and started shouting abuse, demanding that she leave the pub and go home.

Ms Mcginley told the court:“she was scared and embarrassed because everyone was looking. He was being aggressive.

“She went with the accused in a car because she didn’t want to make a scene.”

Ms Jackson was at her home in Murray Path, Uddingston, on March 24 when Healy arrived.

Ms Mcginley stated:“he was heavily intoxicated and asked where his baseball bat was.

“He kicked a fence and challenged people to fight. He was shouting at Ms Jackson.”

Then on May 2 Healy made a phone call that included“threats and indecent language”.

Defence agenttracy Paterson said Healy has a full-time job and his new partner is pregnant.

The solicitor admitted comments attributed to him in a criminal justice social work report were “unacceptable”, adding:“there is a touch of arrogance in his attitude towards the social workers.

“However, he is now entering a period of stability.”

Sheriff Macfadyen ordered Healy to carry out 180 hours of unpaid community work.

He said:“the accused is really saying‘send me to prison, please’.

“Why shouldn’t I grant his request?there is no focus for social work supervision here as it’s clear he does not want to engage.

“Custody is very much under consideration, but I think a significant amount of unpaid work is the answer.

“Any breach of the order will almost certainly lead to a period in custody.”

Healy was also served with a non-harassment order, banning him from any contact with Ms Jackson for 18 months.