A jury has convicted a Forfarshire man of a three-and-a-half-year campaign of abuse towards his former partner.
Steven McDiarmid physically attacked his ex by throttling her and pinning her to a wall, while standing on her feet to prevent her escaping.
After being charged with the catalogue of abuse, McDiarmid was released on bail and ordered to leave the woman alone.
He breached the strict conditions by approaching her at Forfar Indoor Sports Centre and emailing her on seven different dates.
After finding McDiarmid guilty, jurors heard the 58-year-old already has convictions for threatening and abusive behaviour and injuring the same woman by assaulting her.
McDiarmid, who denied the domestic abuse, will be sentenced next month after reports have been prepared.
Trial for Angus abuser
The majority of jurors found McDiarmid guilty after his trial at Forfar Sheriff Court.
They found he engaged in a course of behaviour which was abusive towards his partner between April 2019 and October 2022.
The couple had been together since 2014.
She was subjected to his abuse not only at his cottage in Lunanhead, near Forfar, but also while they holidayed in Portgordon, near Buckie, and at New Pitsligo in Aberdeenshire.
McDiarmid repeatedly questioned her about where she was and who she was with, and demanded to examine her mobile phone.
He also questioned who she was texting and displayed other “jealous and controlling behaviour,” as well as restricting her movements.
On one occasion, he kicked her on the leg.
He also used abusive and derogatory language towards her.
McDiarmid pushed the woman and pinned her to walls while standing on her feet, to prevent her escape.
He punched her on the body and repeatedly seized her by the throat, restricting her breathing.
Furthermore, McDiarmid shouted, swore and acted aggressively towards the woman and sent her unwanted emails.
He also attended at her workplace in Forfar, followed her in his Range Rover and attended at places he expected her to be at.
Court proceedings
McDiarmid first appeared in court in Dundee on August 20 in 2021 in connection with his abuse.
He was released on bail with special conditions not to approach or contact his victim.
But he admitted that on January 11, he showed up at Forfar Indoor Sports Centre and spoke with the woman.
He also admitted emailing her on May 1, 5 and 7, June 24, August 1 and 28 and September 15 last year.
Following Monday’s verdict, Sheriff Paul Brown deferred sentence and ordered background reports.
McDiarmid, who had his bail continued, is due back in the dock on June 5.
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