Domestic abuse thug ordered to attend anti-violence programme

Bully will take part in education project

A lout has been ordered to attend a project tackling domestic violence on his release from prison.

Willie Reynolds, 37, attacked his expartner during a drink-fuelled rampage at her home in Johnstone.

Reynolds flipped out at the young mum when he repeatedly banged on her door, grabbed her around the neck, caused her to fall to the floor, and shouted and swore abuse during the incident.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard he pleaded guilty to the domestically- aggravated public disorder rap, which took place on May 26 last year.

Defence agent Anthony Borland said his client was admitting responsibility for the offence and was about to be freed from jail, following a four-month stretch,

He said: “Alcohol abuse is the reason for his offending.

“However, he did plead guilty to the charge in respect of his ex-partner, the complainer.”

The court heard the victim was also asked whether she required a Non Harassment Order in place to protect her from further trouble - a request she has so far declined.

Sheriff Seith Ireland told Reynolds he was ordering that he attend the UP2U project, which curbs domestic abuse, on his release from prison.

He added it was the court’s job to be keeping an eye on him when he gets out, so he stays on the straight and narrow.

He said: “I will impose a Community Payback Order featuring a period of supervision given your history.

“It will be a longer period, 18 months, and you will be required to attend the UP2U programme, which addresses domestic offending, these offences which you have taken part in.”

Sheriff Ireland also handed Reynolds 162 hours of unpaid work to be completed within nine months, telling him it was “punishment for what you have done.”

Reynolds, of Cartside Avenue, Johnstone, was ordered back to court for a review of his behaviour on May 1.

Renfrewshire Council has won an award from Scottish Social Services bosses for its UP2U project which tackles domestic abuse and violence by showing offenders the damage their actions do to loved ones, family and friends.