Lib Dem candidate is domestic abuser
Ex-RAF officer found guilty of ‘angry and aggressive’ behaviour toward wife in sex toy row aims to be councillor
A FORMER RAF officer convicted of abusing his wife during a row over sex toys is to stand for the Scottish Liberal Democrats at elections in May. Former wing commander Allan Steele is aiming to become a councillor in East Renfrewshire when voters go to the polls this spring. But campaigners against domestic abuse have questioned whether he is an appropriate candidate for office. The Record revealed how Steele launched a crowdfunder last year in a bid to help him overturn his conviction for shouting and swearing at Linzi – claiming he was the victim of a miscarriage of justice. He originally landed himself in court in 2016 accused of grappling with his wife in a bid to seize a laptop he believed contained damning evidence of an affair. Steele’s ex told
Kilmarnock Sheriff Court that her military legal adviser husband branded her a “slut” and accused her of leaving a sex aid in view of three children.
He admitted he took Linzi’s laptop after seeing a message saying: “He knows everything,” but denied assaulting or being abusive to her at a house in Waterside, Ayrshire.
He said he had stumbled as his wife fell on to a bed and she bit him before he escaped with the laptop.
He was found guilty of threatening or abusive behaviour at a house in Waterside, Ayrshire, but an assault charge was found not proven.
Steele appealed his conviction in 2017 but Sheriff Principal Mhairi Stephen rejected it and said Steele’s “angry and aggressive” behaviour had left his wife in fear of him.
He is now plotting a career in local politics and hopes to be returned for the Lib Dems for the Giffnock and Thornliebank ward.
The dad, from Giffnock, near Glasgow, is already chair of his local branch of the Lib Dems.
Dr Marsha Scott, CEO of Scottish Women’s Aid, said: “Perpetrators should always be held accountable and local authorities should be using a survivor-centred approach in tackling violence against women
“Surely there are dedicated and passionate candidates who can run for local elections who have not been convicted of domestic abuse?”
Steele insisted he was the victim of a miscarriage of justice when contacted by the Record – and said he was planning a second appeal.
He said: “In terms of the case, matters are being carefully considered by legal experts. People can express opinions and that is understandable.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Liberal Democrats said: “We understand that this matter is the subject of an ongoing legal appeal so are unable to comment further.”
Surely there are candidates who’ve not been convicted of domestic abuse