WebsiteA man who sent his ex-girlfriend threatening messages in the notes of online bank transfers after detaining her in his flat on Christmas Day when they were still together has been jailed.
Martin McKinlay repeatedly sent pennies to the 20-year-old after she ended their four-month relationship in March this year.
The 25-year-old had been abusive towards her during their short relationship including refusing to let her leave his flat in Glasgow’s Millerston on December 25 last year.
McKinlay pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to engaging in a course of abuse which was the abuse of his partner or ex-partner on Wednesday.
He was sentenced to 16 months by Sheriff Tony Kelly who told him: “The behaviour here is not just concerning, not just inappropriate, not just deplorable – it’s concerning with the background before me.
“It’s sustained over a number of months and after she identified the relationship was over.
“A custodial sentence is inevitable.”
The court heard the pair got together in December 2020.
Prosecutor Mark Allan told the court McKinlay “shouted and swore” as well as “acted aggressively” towards his ex.
He also “uttered offensive remarks” to her and threatened her family members.
The hearing was told she attended McKinlay’s property on December 25, 2020.
She explained that she would only be there for an hour as she was meeting friends.
Mr Allan added: “McKinlay began to shout at her and demanded that she remained there with him as well as not see her friends.
“She told the police that she was scared to leave and remained with him.”
McKinlay punched a mirror as well as shouted and swore at the victim on an occasion in January this year.
She eventually left with her belongings from their shared home in March.
Mr Allan said: “She continued to receive notes from bank transfers which was sent to her account.
“These were pennies that were transferred but it would allow McKinlay to attach a note to it used for abusive notes.
“This was another means of threatening communications from him.”
The matter was reported to the police and McKinlay was arrested at his home.
Tracey Hamilton, defending, told the court McKinlay “displayed extremely concerning behaviour.”
The lawyer added that he is unable to control his emotions when he sees something he does not want to see.
It was also revealed that McKinlay has previous convictions for domestic matters.
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