Jilted husband who spouted vile abuse at wife is banned from going near her

EMYLIE HOWIE

A dumped husband who threatened to ruin his wife’s career has been told to stay away from her for two years.

Gordon Neil, of High Street in Lochwinnoch, called his wife over 20 years a “s**t” and “a waste of space”.

Procurator fiscal depute Martina McGuigan explained to Paisley Sheriff Court this week that Neil, 64, and his wife Jennifer Adams had been married since 1999 and have three children together.

She explained: “It was the view of the complainer, Jennifer Adams that the marriage was turbulent and it was never plain sailing.

“On August 16, Adams returned home from work as a doctor around 5pm and began to sort the kids’ school clothes.

“Adams was anticipating something happening as there had been ongoing issues and set her iPhone to record.

“Neil entered the room and began verbally abusing her, shouting comments like ‘You’re a f ***** g idiot’, ‘Waste of space’, ‘You’re career is finished when I start’, ‘You’re a whore,’ ‘F**k off’, and ‘You’re a s**t’. “Adams attempted to go to the bedroom and, at that point, Neil followed.

“He began to make comments again to her referencing a new partner, stating, ‘Tell him I’m coming one day,’ ‘You’re a whore and that’s all you’ll ever be’.

“In December 2020, Adams had advised Neil that she wanted a divorce and that’s what triggered those comments.

“Around 6pm, Adams reported the matter to the police, who made an appointment with her.

“Adams visited Paisley police office and Neil was traced and cautioned and charged.”

Defence agent Mr Kerr explained that Neil, who pleaded guilty to causing fear or alarm by shouting, swearing and uttering threats, and Ms Adams are now going through a divorce.

He said: “The marriage here has been doomed for some time and the wife wanted to stay in the family home as she felt it would be better for the children’s development.

“Mr Neil spent a couple of weeks trying to change her mind, but solicitors are now processing the divorce.

“They were married at the time of the offence and the divorce followed and continued to live together, but she was very much living her own life.

“There’s a lot behind his actions and there was a lot that provoked him at the time.”

Sheriff Sukhwinder Gill said: “I can accept that marriage is never plain sailing, but it is a sad state of affairs when your wife anticipates matters and records them on her phone.”

Sheriff Gill deferred sentence for six months for Neil to be of good behaviour.

A non-harassment order was also imposed against Ms Adams for a period of two years.