Man sent Valentine cards to wife after attack

Less than a month after he attacked his wife, a father of 12 sent her two St Valentine’s Day cards, declaring his undying love, Perth Sheriff Court heard this week.

Fifty-five-year-old Stephen Petrie, of Emma Street, Blairgowrie, also sent her a Valentine’s gift, flouting a bail order banning him from any contact.

Now, he has been ordered to pay £500 compensation after he flew into a rage and slapped her on the face.

That incident took place two days after he told his partner of more than 20 years that he was leaving her.

The accused admitted assaulting her by seizing her by the body and slapping her in their home in Burrelton on January 14, 2020.

But part of the charge which alleged that he repeatedly struck her and stamped on her body was deleted.

He also breached a January 15, 2020, bail order, banning him from contacting his wife in any way by sending the cards and gift via Royal Mail from W H Smith, in Perth High Street, on February 12 last year.

Depute fiscal Sarah Wilkinson told the court that one of the cards said: “To my wife. I love you more each year as time goes on.”

He ended the message:“Love you ever and ever.”

But there was no love in evidence on January 14 when Petrie returned to the family home, despite telling his wife he was leaving.

There was no happy reunion and he ended up attacking her during a violent outburst.

Depute fiscal Tina Dickie said they had been married for 17 years and had been in a relationship for 22 years.

“On January 12 the accused left the house,”she explained.

“He told his wife he was going to stay in Blairgowrie and they would be separating.”

He returned about 5.45pm two days later and his wife went to speak to him.

“However, he immediately started shouting at her and said he was entitled to live in the family home.

“The accused was described as being angry and mad - and there was no reasoning with him,”she added.

A“commotion”then followed and she landed on the floor before he slapped her on the face.

She tried to“calm the accused down”but due to his behaviour the police were called.

Solicitor Kevin Lancaster said there had been“ongoing family difficulties”for some time.

The relationship is over at present but there was a“possibility it could be rekindled.”

Petrie will pay the compensation at £20 a month but he was admonished on the bail breach charge.