‘Distressed’ children saw father assault mother

Man avoids jail by blaming bodybuilding pills for violent attack

A Dundee domestic abuser blamed bodybuilding pills called Grenade Thermo Detonator for his violent crimes.

John Wilson, 50, had taken the tablets, ordered online, before hitting his partner’s head off a bathroom sink and threatening to kill her.

The substance, which promises to “declare war on fat”, has a high caffeine content and proved to add up to a “catastrophic combination” when mixed with alcohol.

Dundee Sheriff Court heard Wilson and his partner had argued in a taxi on December 15 last year after attending a function where he had consumed 10 spirit drinks. The argument continued at the couple’s home in Duff Street, where Wilson locked the woman in the bathroom, grabbed her by the hair and repeatedly hit her head against the walls and sink.

The court was told he grabbed her by the throat. The woman said “you’re going to kill me” to which he replied “yes I’m going to kill you”.

The incident was witnessed by the couple’s “distressed” adult daughter and son, who helped free their mother from the bathroom and called the police.

On March 9 and 14, Wilson breached a bail condition banning him from approaching the woman, by going to her home and her workplace.

Wilson, of Inchyra Place, pled guilty to the charges against him.

The court was told there were now “realistic hopes” of the couple reconciling.

Wilson’s solicitor, John Boyle, said: “For the past two years there have been difficulties in the relationship.

“He is hopeful he can work on those issues with his partner.”

Wilson was placed under supervision for two years and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

He will also have to take part in a domestic violence rehabilitation programme.

Sentencing him, Sheriff Thomas Hughes said: “It seems to be the case that this was a one-off incident.

“You had been dieting and exercising for three months and you were taking substances you had ordered online.

“They had a high caffeine content and taken together with the fact you had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol, having not drunk for a few months previously, it was a catastrophic combination.”

It seems to be the case that this was a one-off incident. SHERIFF THOMAS HUGHES