Moray man refused to let pregnant partner attend medical appointment

A 28-year-old Moray man refused to let his partner attend a medical appointment even though she was pregnant.

James Stewart has been jailed at Inverness Sheriff Court after admitting carrying out "a sustained and callous course of abusive behaviour" lasting more than two years.

Stewart’s cruel campaign against his ex-partner occured between June 2021 and September 2023.

Incidents took place in Elgin and Lossiemouth, as well as the Longman Caravan site in Inverness, his most recent address.

Defence solicitor David Patterson accepted on behalf of his client that a prison sentence was “inevitable”.

The lawyer described Stewart's mental health problems and "challenging upbringing” to the court, adding that he’d been using alcohol and drugs from an early age.

But Mr Patterson said: “There is no excusing his behaviour. It simply should not have happened.

"His problems should not have impacted on the family unit. He is utterly ashamed. He accepts responsibility and did not want his former partner to have to give evidence."

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank jailed Stewart for 30 months, backdated to January 15.

Speaking directly to the defendant, he said: "This was a sustained and callous course of abusive behaviour over two years and three months.

“Aggravating factors were that part of it was perpetrated when young children were present and you were on several bail orders at the time."

The court heard that Stewart demonstrated controlling and coercive behaviour by regularly being aggressive towards her as well as repeatedly shouting, swearing and making derogatory comments.

The charge added that he threatened violence towards her, her family and her property.

It also stated he struck her on the head while children were present and when he was on three bail orders.