Paisley man struck ex-wife with empty wine bottle and dragged her by the hair

A Paisley dad-of-three grabbed his ex-wife by the hair and threw her outside after she had spent the day with her new partner.

Robert Crichton and his former partner, Kelly Crichton, had been in a 22-year relationship and married for 13 years with that coming to an end.

Despite being separated, the couple continued to stay together at the family home, for the sake of their kids, in Glencoats Drive, Paisley. However, when Ms Crichton decided to move on, his emotions got the better of him.

Paisley Sheriff Court yesterday heard Ms Crichton went out with her new partner on March 9 and, when she returned home, she had some drinks with her 47-year-old former husband.

Things turned sour during an argument and Crichton verbally and physically assaulted his ex-wife. The brute struck Ms Crichton over the head with an empty wine bottle and dragged her by the hair.

The procurator fiscal depute told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Kelly Crichton left the family home to go out with her new partner and returned around 8.30pm and had drinks with the accused.

“Parties became involved in a disagreement with each other which escalated and the accused shouting at Ms Crichton. He stated, ‘Over my dead body you’re taking my kids and my house away from me. You’ll take nothing from me, f*****g cow, s**t’.

“The accused then grabbed Kelly by the hair, picked up an empty glass wine bottle and struck her once to the head. He then dragged her by the hair and threw her outside into the garden.

“Neighbours heard the commotion and went outside to assist and contacted the police. On police arrival, there was no signs of a disturbance and Ms Crichton had been taken into a neighbour’s house.

“At 11.45pm, the accused was arrested, taken to Greenock police station where he was cautioned and charged and made no reply.”

Defence agent Terry Gallanagh explained Crichton accepts his conduct “was totally unacceptable” and he “deeply regrets it”.

Mr Gallanagh added: “Since this incident, Mr Crichton has slept on his 19-year-old son’s couch.

“He wants nothing but the best for his children and has no animosity towards Kelly. He has expressed remorse, embarrassment and deep regret.

“Having been in a relationship for 22 years, there was a deep emotional investment. She has since moved on, which she is entitled to do so, but this has undoubtedly made an atmosphere in the home.”

Sheriff Lindsay Kooner slammed Crichton, stating: “This clearly meets the custody threshold. It is a highly unacceptable assault and it’s very fortunate there was no injury.

“You have expressed deep regret for what you did to the mother of your children. It was highly inappropriate.”

Sentence was deferred for Ms Crichton’s views to be sought by the Crown regarding a non-harassment order and for Crichton to seek advice from a civil lawyer.

Crichton, currently of Candren Road, Paisley, will return to court on June 24 for sentencing.

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