Ex-boyfriend jailed for abusing woman

An abusive boyfriend forced his partner to buy drugs for him, leaving her needing to turn to foodbanks.

John Simpson spent almost a year controlling the woman, including keeping hold of her bank card and keys, phoning her and demanding she return home.

The 29-year-old also threatened to petrol bomb the homes of her friends and family.

Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court heard the woman was “terrified” of Simpson and the relationship has now ended.

Fiscal depute Lora Apostolova said the woman and Simpson moved into a council house in Glenrothes in August 2021.

Ms Apostolova said: “Following this, the accused became controlling and abusive towards the complainer and she was terrified of him.

“After moving into the address the accused began exerting control over the complainer and became abusive towards her.

“The complainer would regularly misplace her keys, bank card and would leave the cooker on.

“Therefore, the accused retained the bank card, keys, bus pass and other items.”

She added: “On numerous occasions her friend observed the accused being verbally abusive towards the complainer, telling her she belonged to him and calling her derogatory names.

“The complainer also lost contact with family members during the relationship due to his behaviour, including her mother.

“Her mother witnessed occasions where the accused demanded money from the complainer for controlled drugs and would state, ‘I’m needing money for a smoke’.

“This resulted in her struggling financially and using foodbanks.”

Ms Apostolova said that in one incident Simpson threatened harm to her friends and family.

“Throughout the relationship the accused was verbally abusive towards the complainer and would shout and swear at her regularly.

“The accused would utter threats directed at the complainer’s friends and family members, stating he would petrol bomb their houses and it would be her fault if this happened.”

Solicitor Scott Norrie, defending, said Simpson had had a troubled childhood and “spent the majority of his young life in care”.

He said: “His mother had a drug addiction and passed away some years ago.

“His father is an alcoholic.

“He was in care until the age of 18.”

He said as a result his client had trouble “keeping his emotions in check”.

Simpson, a prisoner at Low Moss, admitted engaging in a course of conduct that was abusive of his partner at addresses in Glenrothes between August 1 2020 and June 9 2021.

He was jailed for 16 months and a five-year nonharassment order was issued, preventing him from contacting the woman.