Abusive ex told to carry out unpaid work

A former gym boss who terrified his wife over a number of years has been banned from contacting her for two years and handed 200 hours’ community service.

Arthur Campbell, 54, went on trial at Paisley Sheriff Court last month accused of shouting, swearing and threatening Angela Spiers over a 14-year period.

The couple married in 1999 and, between 2001 and 2015, he abused her at their marital homes in Renfrew and Glasgow.

The jury convicted him of a breach of the peace charge - by repeatedly conducting himself in a disorderly way, shouting, swearing, hurling abusive remarks and threatening violence, on several occasions.

He was convicted after his ex- wife and son gave evidence against him, telling the court what he put them through.

Sentencing was deferred for background reports to be prepared and Campbell, of Renfrew, returned to the dock to learn his fate this week.

Advocate Dale Hughes pointed out he had a good work history, had never been to jail before, and had suffered tragedies himself, including the death of his twins and the death of an adult daughter, who died in child birth.

He said Campbell is now the carer for his new wife, Donna, who has previously suffered strokes and a brain haemorrhage.

Sheriff Tom McCartney spared him jail, placing him on a Community Service Order which will see him carrying out 200 hours’ unpaid work over the next 12 months.

He was also made the subject of a Non-Harassment Order, which bans him from having any contact with Miss Spiers for the next two years.