Six months jail for thug who abused partner

Accused told there is no alternative to prison

A yob who bombarded his on-off partner with abusive outbursts has been caged for six months.

Barry Staniforth, 25, repeatedly bawled and swore at Gillian Reid after police arrived to quiz her about an alleged driving offence.

The brute launched a foulmouthed rant after officers carried out an identity check on him and his history of domestic abuse was flagged-up.

Staniforth yesterday admitted acting in a threatening or abusive manner. At Paisley Sheriff Court, fiscal depute John Penman told how the lout blew-up when his ex brought cops to the door.

He said: “Gillian was in the passenger seat of a vehicle which was reported to have been driven by a disqualified driver.

“Officers attended Gillian’s home address to obtain information from her.

“It was there they conducted a police national computer check on Mr Staniforth, and he lost the rag, shouting and swearing and conducting himself in a threatening and abusive manner.”

The court heard Staniforth was out on bail for abusing the victim and refusing to leave her home when he kicked off.

He sparked the drama, despite being ordered to keep away from Gillian.

The thug was slapped with a community payback order for a instigating a separate ordeal against the woman in December.

Defence solicitor Tony Callahan insisted his client suffers from “stress and anxiety”, but claimed he is seeking help to change.

He said: “In April last year, the relationship came to an end.

“Events then changed and they got back together, but both parties were anxious that the relationship couldn’t continue.

“Mr Staniforth was living at a friends house and had gone to Ms Reid’s house briefly to get some of his belongings.

“When police attended, he behaved in a manner which he regrets.”

Staniforth, of Seedhill Road, Paisley, was arrested after the outburst in Merlinford Drive, Renfrew, on May 19.

Sheriff James Spy warned him he had no alternative but to send him to prison.

He said: “We’ve been through all of this before, Mr Staniforth.

“I have no choice but to impose a custodial disposal.”