COP HELD ON WIFE KNIFE ATTACK RAP
PC ACCUSED OF TRYING TO THROTTLE TEACHER Community officer faces trial after weekend in cells Police Scotland take such allegations seriously. Domestic violence is a priority
A police officer spent two nights in a jail cell over claims he tried to strangle his wife while holding a knife at her throat.
Constable William Calderhead was arrested over the alleged attack on estranged spouse Elaine.
The 43-year-old was detained by colleagues and held in custody at Cathcart police office in Glasgow for almost 48 hours.
Calderhead appeared at Paisley Sheri ff Court on Monday in connection with the incident, which was alleged to have happened on Saturday, October 15.
He spoke only to confirm that he was pleading not guilty to two charges of attacking teacher Elaine at her home in Newton Mearns, Glasgow.
Calderhead denies shouting and swearing at Elaine while brandishing a knife and slashing a framed photo hanging on a wall.
Court papers allege he behaved in a threatening or abusive way.
He faces a second charge of assault to injury by allegedly forcing his wife to the ground and trying to throttle her while holding a blade at her throat.
The charge against him states that he “did seize hold of her, push her over, pin her to the floor, place hands around her neck, applying pressure thereto, and hold a knife to her throat, all to her injury”.
Calderhead appeared in the dock in handcuffs and was represented by solicitor Ross Cameron, who told Sheriff Seith Ireland that his client was maintaining his innocence and asked for him to be released on bail.
Prosecutors asked for special bail conditions banning Calderhead from his wife’s street and from approaching or contacting her.
The sheriff, who was not told
the accused’s profession, granted bail but imposed restrictions.
He warned Calderhead: “Don’t interfere with witnesses or obstruct the course of justice.
“You’ve not to communicate directly with Elaine Calderhead and even indirect contact is forbidden.
“No meetings with her at all, no emails to her, telephone calls with her – that would be a breach of bail.”
Calderhead, of Eaglesham, near Glasgow, is due to face trial in December, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for next month.
Police Scotland said Calderhead was still expected to report for duty despite the charges against him.
It’s understood he is a community officer based in East Kilbride. His duties include tackling anti- social behaviour, including violent crime and domestic abuse.
A police spokesman said: “A report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.
“Pol ice Scotland take such allegations seriously and domestic violence is a priority for us.
“In additon to the report to the procurator fiscal, a conduct and disciplinary report will be prepared.
“The officer in question has not been suspended.”