Domestic abuser sentenced

An Arbroath man has been given an unpaid work order after racking up his third domestic offence against the wife he branded a “hag”.

Rodger Campbell had previously been ordered to be of good behaviour after he admitted a domestically aggravated breach of the peace at their home in the town on July 17 last year.

Despite receiving credit for staying out of bother and some sympathy for a background involving his spouse’s alcohol difficulties, Sheriff Derek Reekie told the 64-year-old his record had taken him to the brink of jail.

The court heard Campbell, of High Street, had come home from work and found his wife to be under the influence. They argued and he called her names, including a hag.

Defence solicitor Nick Whelan said the couple were now living apart and the accused had taken steps to deal with their difficulties.

Sheriff Reekie told Campbell: “I have regard to your age and the difficulties I understand your wife’s troubles with alcohol have caused.

“Unfortunately, acting in this way is not doing anyone any good and it is also getting you into trouble.”

He ordered Campbell to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work within 12 months, adding: “This is a reminder of the serious nature of domestic offences such as this and is a direct alternative to custody, given your previous offences.”