BOXING CLUB COACH GUILTY OF STALKING HIS EX-WIFE

Gym boss made threats of violence

A well-known Rutherglen boxing coach has been found guilty of stalking and threatening his ex-wife.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard last week that Archie Durie (left) tormented his former lover over a fivemonth period between October 1, 2015, and March 7 last year.

Durie, 55, sent threatening and abusive texts to Laura Durie between February 1 and March 31 last year.

He also sat outside her flat in a car and sent messages suggesting he was watching her.

Durie was convicted of a number of incidents that left Ms Durie in a state of fear and alarm between October 1, 2015, and March 7, 2016.

On one occasion on Kingsburn Drive in Rutherglen, Durie climbed on his car and behaved in an aggressive manner towards Ms Durie. He also shouted and swore at her.

He also turned up at the victim’s flat to shout and swear at her.

The court also found him guilty of acting in a threatening and abusive manner towards Ms Durie at Katrina’s Cafe in Rutherglen’s Ballochmill Road on July 5, last year.

He was ordered to return to court for sentencing on September 12.

The couple married on Valentinie’s Day, 2015, but they lasted less than a fortnight together before separating. Durie, of Abbeydale Way, runs Durie’s Boxing Gym in the John Hillhouse

Industrial Estate.

His boxers have enjoyed major success over the years, especially at youth level, and he has also worked in local schools.

But Ms Durie said this week she hoped to see a custodial sentence imposed, adding: “He shouldn’t be working with kids after this.

“The past 18 months have been very stressful. I am thrilled this is over.”

The Reformer understands Boxing Scotland is investigating Durie but the organisation said this week it would not comment on individual cases.

It is also believed parents at Durie’s were informed of the conviction at a meeting on Sunday. The gym remains open for the time being.